Not long after Mike Tomlin told Art Rooney II he was stepping down, the team’s head coach for 19 seasons informed the players he was leaving. Their response was to give Tomlin a standing ovation.
The next day, Mr. Rooney praised Tomlin for representing the Steelers with steady leadership, class and dignity.
The same can be said of how Mike Tomlin represented Pittsburgh.
In the wake of his resignation, stories are emerging about his community engagement.
For example, Tomlin was personally involved in a North Side program promoting fatherhood and positive male role models.
He was a supporter of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank during holiday food drives.
Tomlin’s charitable efforts included an annual fashion fundraiser for UPMC’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program, support for Cancer Bridges, the Chuck Noll Foundation and a golf outing to benefit a foundation providing educational options for inner-city kids.
All this with little to no public recognition.
In short, Mike Tomlin made significant contributions to our city outside of football and is deserving of another standing ovation… from us.
Job well done, Mike.