Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ryan Switzer shared a personal story that sheds light on why players love playing for Mike Tomlin.
“Because his players know he cares about them,” Switzer wrote on X in response to Kyle Brandt’s interview with Tomlin that focused on the head coaches 18-year non-losing season streak. ‘I saw him about a year after our son had his heath scare. He came gave me a hug & said, “there were a lot of prayers said about this guy right here” while looking at Christian. Just one ex. I’ll always be grateful I played for him.”
Because his players know he cares about them. I saw him about a year after our son had his heath scare. He came gave me a hug & said, “there were a lot of prayers said about this guy right here” while looking at Christian. Just one ex. I’ll always be grateful I played for him. https://t.co/7dAo7kaLuI
— Ryan Switzer (@Switz) July 27, 2025
During an interview with Brandt at St. Vincent College, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers explained the process before signing with the Steelers on June 5. Rodgers took nearly three months to sign with Pittsburgh, but he was in constant communication with head coach Mike Tomlin.
Rodgers was dealing with personal issues during the spring, so that delayed his decision, but Tomlin’s genuine care was something that really made an impression on the four-time NFL MVP.
“It was honestly more about what he wasn’t saying,” Rodgers told Brandt. “At no point during the conversations, which were weekly — at least — did I ever feel like I was talking to a coach who needed something from me. (Like) ‘I need you to give me this, give me that, give me an answer.’ It was like you were talking to an old friend.
“At my age, at my experience, I just really appreciated that. I respected how he talked to me, our conversation, getting to know him and hearing about his schedule and who’s important in his life. And him asking me and remembering important things about my life, too. It really made an impression to me.”
A Fox Sports survey revealed that this year’s draft prospects wanted to play for Tomlin the most among head coaches in the NFL. Tomlin’s ability to relate to players and earn their respect has been a mainstay for him throughout his coaching career.
“We thought this one would be close, but we didn’t realize it would be quite this close. Heading into the final two prospects, there was a three-way tie. The Steelers’ Mike Tomlin pulled out the close win, getting nine votes to edge out the Lions’ Dan Campbell and the Chiefs’ Andy Reid with eight each,” Fox Sports wrote of the 40 players that they surveyed.
“Three coaches got two votes each: the Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, the Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel and the Raiders’ Pete Carroll. Four others got a single vote: the Rams’ Sean McVay, the Falcons’...
