The decision by Mike Tomlin to step down after 19 years as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers was shocking for the players inside the locker room. It came out of left field for them.
Though Tomlin received a standing ovation after the meeting prior to news breaking on ESPN and NFL Network reporting his decision, those moments inside the room were emotional for all involved.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo detailed some of those emotions in a piece reporting on the situation behind closed doors. Players were stunned, very emotional and even distraught in some instances as Tomlin relayed his message and shared one last moment with his team.