Mike Tomlin refuses to take for granted that his Pittsburgh Steelers are where they are: In the NFL playoffs for the fourth time in five years.
As the No. 6 seed Steelers prepare to face their longtime rivals, the No. 3 seed Baltimore Ravens, Tomlin embraces the challenge with his signature enthusiasm and focus.
“Today is kind of a big day in our business,” Tomlin said on Monday. “We that have been in this business a long time recognize it as a ‘black trash bag’ type of day. For a vast majority of teams, they’re cleaning out lockers and so forth.”
For the Steelers, however, it’s a different story. They’ve (technically) earned the right to keep working, and Tomlin couldn’t be more excited. “We take it very seriously to be in this tournament, and I’m excited about being in this tournament and being one of the 14 that are still working.”
This is the NFL postseason—a time when everything is on the line. For Tomlin and the Steelers, it’s about embracing the grind and proving they belong in the playoffs.
