The Athletic provides live coverage of the Texans vs. Steelers in the NFL Playoffs wild-card round.
Origins of a Tradition
Pittsburgh’s rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens has always been steeped in mutual respect. However, the intense emotions associated with games against teams like the Cincinnati Bengals led Coach Mike Tomlin and defensive leader Cameron Heyward to adopt a tradition a decade ago: walking off the field together. What began as a practical decision evolved into a meaningful ritual that saw them celebrating victories and supporting each other through defeats, maintaining this ritual until September.
A New Addition
During Week 1 at MetLife Stadium, Aaron Rodgers made a dramatic entrance as a Steeler, turning a nine-point deficit into a thrilling victory. As he concluded his post-game interview, Tomlin and Heyward awaited him, marking the first time the trio participated in this tradition. Heyward expressed their desire to welcome Rodgers into the fold, emphasizing that they wanted him to feel supported on this journey.
The Dynamics of Leadership
Despite criticisms directed at both Rodgers and Tomlin, stemming from off-field issues and on-field performance respectively, their relationship has deepened. Tomlin has notably never had a losing season, but the Steelers’ playoff drought since 2016 complicates his legacy. He focused on his team’s current dynamics rather than past disappointments, stating, “Most of these men don’t care about the playoff drought.”
Building a Connection
The bond between a coach and quarterback is crucial for a team’s success. Tomlin and Rodgers have been working to build this connection even before Rodgers committed to the team. Tomlin’s understanding of Rodgers’ personal circumstances during a drawn-out recruitment phase demonstrated a commitment to their partnership that distinguishes Tomlin as a coach who values his players as individuals.
Shared Expectations and Success
Both figures deal with immense expectations from their fan bases. While Rodgers broke Brett Favre’s touchdown record, Tomlin equaled Chuck Noll’s win record. Throughout the season, they supported one another through ups and downs, highlighting their unity during tough moments, especially after losses that elicited calls for Tomlin’s job.
A Heartfelt Moment
In a pivotal game against the Ravens, Rodgers demonstrated both leadership and adaptability, scoring a crucial touchdown. Following the win, as the team celebrated and the Ravens faced a missed field goal, Tomlin and Rodgers shared a heartfelt embrace, expressing gratitude for their collaboration. Together, they walked off the field, solidifying their growing bond as they navigate this season together.
