Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has developed into one of the most respected leaders in all of sports—partially due to his longevity, partially due to his seeming invulnerability to sub-.500 seasons, and partially due to the complex mix of personalities he's had to manage over the years.
However, what sets him apart from his contemporaries are his quotes—witty, wise soundbites that border on the aphoristic at times.
Take, for instance, his response Friday morning to reporters who questioned his liberal use of starters in the preseason.
“I don’t need any validation. I just think it’s difficult to box without sparring,” Tomlin said. "The preseason is an opportunity for us to spar and sharpen our sword before battle.”
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on deciding to play starters in the preseason: "I just think it's difficult to box without sparring."
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 25, 2023
Elite quote from Tomlin.pic.twitter.com/KmvujrNW63
Tomlin’s philosophy, and succinct way of expressing it, garnered widespread support from fans of Pittsburgh and other teams alike.
Even Cowboys fans were impressed.
He be comin wit the 🔥
— Big Dame (@SpeakingDemBoyz) August 25, 2023
One of the best on the 🎙 https://t.co/5v73fYYBDH
Longtime NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz endorsed the sentiment.
Love it https://t.co/YbIwyW1xpi
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 25, 2023
Green Light with Chris Long, a podcast hosted by another longtime lineman on the opposite side of the ball, did likewise.
This guy doesn’t miss huh? https://t.co/ND4cqsKoA1
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight) August 25, 2023
Fans praised Tomlin as something of a philosophical figure.
if i could choose to sit down and eat a meal with a head coach, Mike Tomlin would probably be my choice https://t.co/sPq0tBTwed
— Jack Stollow (@jetsbyjack) August 25, 2023
Many saw Tomlin’s success and wisdom as going hand in hand.
There's a reason Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season. https://t.co/psltDh69kb
— David Schiele WTSP (@Deacon_Schiele) August 25, 2023
