Given all the downtime in NFL games, what do coaches and players talk about? For Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin and T.J. Watt, the topic of conversation wandered to…reality television.
In a behind-the-scenes mic’d up moment captured by NFL Films, Tomlin, Watt and the rest of the Steelers were observing the national anthem ahead of Week 17’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Iam Tongi, the winner of Season 21 of American Idol, was belting out the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and his beautiful vocals caught the attention of both coach and player.
Watt told Tomlin, “My wife loves that guy. [Nate] Herbig is going crazy.”
Tomlin replied, “Your wife have you doing a whole bunch of s--- out of character, that’s why I love your wife. She got you watching that. My wife do the same thing to me! We need that in our life.”
.@_TJWatt and Mike Tomlin are American Idol fans confirmed 😂 @Steelers@InsideTheNFL streaming now on @TheCW app pic.twitter.com/EyKR1eNlnr
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 3, 2024
Nothing to see here, just two Steelers chumming it up over their wives’ shared love of American Idol.
Week 17’s 30–23 win over the Seahawks helped Tomlin record his 17th straight non-losing season as Pittsburgh improved to 9–7. Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, may not be making NFL history quite like Tomlin, but he’s currently leading the league with 17 sacks and is on track to earn his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
The Steelers, who still have a shot at a playoff berth, will play the Baltimore Ravens in their regular season finale at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
