Aaron Rodgers Apologized in Emotional Goodbye to Mike Tomlin
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a new head coach after Mike Tomlin's unexpected decision to step down, marking only the fourth head coach change since 1969.
- Veteran players, including captains Cam Heyward, Aaron Rodgers, and T.J. Watt, were deeply affected by Tomlin's departure, with Rodgers expressing emotional regret during the final team meeting.
- Rodgers, who joined the Steelers primarily to play under Tomlin, is unlikely to return for the 2026 season, signaling a probable end to his NFL career following the recent playoff loss.
- The Steelers' locker room feels a collective sense of responsibility and disappointment for not being able to help Tomlin break his postseason losing streak, a burden players acknowledge with sorrow
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