Now that Mike Tomlin has a cushy TV job, he is starting to spill the beans a little bit on his career. He was on the ‘Not Just Football’ podcast hosted by Cam Heyward this time around, where he told the story about when it finally hit him that he was done in Pittsburgh. Tomlin claimed to be self-aware enough to leave at the right time, but his actions didn’t back up his answer since he coached in Pittsburgh for nearly 2 decades – not retiring at the apex of his career like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, who he compared himself to in the answer.
Steve Palazzolo from the 33rd Team joined the show. Steve pointed out that the Steelers are one of the few teams in football that have significantly more success in the run game versus the pass game, which is why they should have added another target at the trade deadline. He thinks Josh Downs was the ideal player that could have fit right in here. Steve is worried about the mental state of Brandon Aiyuk because he’s one of the only players ever to have a big contract dispute followed by a bigger dispute after he actually got the money. Steve explained how the Steelers can finally get DK Metcalf going a little bit after just one score in the first half of the season. Steve does not think Aaron Rodgers is playing good football, but added that Bo Nix is the worst QB leading a team in the AFC with at least 6 wins. Steve is having a hard time with the pass game, but does think the Steelers have aspects of their game that are more legit than the recent past. Steve thinks the Bengals are weak in the middle of their defense, but it’s a better unit overall. Steve sees a weakness on the left side of the Cincy offensive line, which could be a lane for the Steelers to attack Burrow on Sunday.
Donny Football Debrief – ESPN has released its mid-season awards. Do any Steelers have accolades in their future?
Nov 12, 2026
