Mike Tomlin

Why are you calling out Alejandro Villanueva? If you are going to let the babies sit, let the man stand. Free speech and all that, right..

Dear Mike Tomlin

As I see it...you have one job...get the team ready to play football. No one asked you to be a politician.

You can learn something from Villanueva. He didn't have to think about popularity. That's called Leadership. By the way, how did that game plan work for you last week?

You Sir are a disrespectful THUG. Alejandro Villanueva patriotic and meritorious service to this grandest of all nations is lost on an imbecile like you. You are a disgrace. Castro or Putin will welcome you with open arms.

It was sad that the Steelers didn't take the field for the National Anthem. That flag represents our great country and those who fought and died for it! Without that, we wouldn't have the freedom we have. You should've stood with your fellow brother and teammate who had fought for this country and for the freedoms we're given.

TAKE A KNEE.
Take a little trip to Valley Forge in January. If you don't know where that is, just Google it from the sidelines. Hold a musket ball in your fingers and imagine it piercing your flesh and breaking a bone or two. There won't be a doctor or trainer to assist you until after the battle, so just wait your turn. Take your cleats and socks off to get a real experience. Then take a knee.
Then, take one at the beach in Normandy where man after American man stormed the beach, even as the one in front of him was shot to pieces...the very sea stained with American blood. The only blockers most had were the dead bodies in front of them, riddled with bullets from enemy fire.
Take a knee in the sweat soaked jungles of Vietnam. from Khe San to Saigon... Anywhere will do. REAL Americans died in all those jungles. There was no playbook that told them what was next, but they knew what flag they represented. When they came home, they were protested as well..and spit on for reasons only cowards know.
Take another knee in the blood drenched sands of Fallujah in 110 degree heat.. Wear your Kevlar helmet and battle dress... Your number won't be printed on it unless your number is up! You'll need to stay hydrated but there won't be anyone to squirt Gatorade into your mouth. You're on your own.
There's a lot of places to take a knee. Real Americans have given their lives all over the world. When you use the banner under which they fought as a source for your displeasure, you dishonor the memories of those who bled for the very freedoms you have. That's what the red stripes mean. It represents the blood of those who spilled a sea of it defending your liberty.
While you're on your knee, pray for those that came before you, not on a manicured lawn striped and printed with numbers to announce every inch of ground taken....but on nameless hills and bloodied beaches and sweltering forests and bitter cold mountains...every inch marked by an American life lost serving that flag you protest.
No cheerleaders, no announcers, no coaches, no fans...just American men and women...delivering the real fight against those who chose to harm us...blazing a path so you would have the right to "take a knee."
You haven't an inkling what it took to get you where you are; but your "protest" is duly noted. Not only is it disgraceful to a nation of real heroes, it serves the purpose of pointing to your ingratitude for those who chose to defend you under that banner that will still wave long after your jersey is issued to another...
If you really feel the need to take a knee, come with me to church on Sunday and we'll both kneel before Almighty God. We'll thank Him for preserving this country for as long as He has. We'll beg forgiveness for our ingratitude for all He has provided us. We'll appeal to Him for understanding and wisdom. We'll pray for liberty and justice for all....because He is the one who provides those things.
And there will be no protest. There will only be gratitude for His provision and a plea for His continued grace and mercy on the land of the free and the home of the brave. It goes like this...
GOD BLESS AMERICA!❤️

Remove all US flags. Your organization is not worthy to fly them.

I have been a devout steeler fan for 42 years but after witnessing the disrespectful display for our flag and national anthem I will not attend another game nor watch it on TV until you learn to respect the men and women who have lost their lives and limbs for this great country. The sport is no place to be protesting anything especially when it is based on a false narrative that black people are being targeted by police. Here is a statistic that you should know about.

1,033 people were shot and killed by police last year. 215 of them were black. You didn't here from the media about the other 805. You only heard about the ones that were black spreading a false narrative. Even if this was true disrespecting our veterans and the flag there is no excuse for this behavior.

BTW...11,163 black people were murdered by other black people last year. Why don't you protest THAT!!!

Reverse course and respect our flag or watch our dollars go somewhere else

Paul Grandinetti
Bay Area, California

Sorry person and coach veterans died for your sorry as no more football do not attend or watch on TV hit them in their wallets where it hurts VIETNAM VETERAN NOT A COWARD HIDING IN THE LOCKER ROOM

Dear Mr Tomlin.
It is far more important to be respectful of our country and veterans than having "100% participation". You need to grow a spine and require your players to first respect their country and second their fellow teammates. Anything less makes you a pathetic little coward worthy of no respect whatsoever.

Alejandro has more balls than the entire Steelers including the coaches.

You of all people should not be protesting. Your original employer, Art Rooney, did more to help minorities in the NFL than anyone else "Rooney Rule". Mr. Rooney would roll over in his grave at your actions. Oppressed? You, sir and your players, are far from oppressed. Check the facts and make an intelligent decision, instead of the false narrative of the Black Lives Matters crowd. Do you think Obama would have been elected with only black folk voting? Oppressed? I am 56 years old and have been a life long Steelers fan, as was my father. Sadly, today I renounce my support of the Steelers thanks to your actions.

Been bleeding black and yellow for 40 years until yesterday it all ended, I saw a lone MAN A veteran standing up for his country while his whole coward team and coach hid in the locker room trying to hide from being embarrassed for being proud for their country and to show respect for the men who died to give the cowards the right to be a holes , GOOD BYE NFL IAM DONE

Mike,
You should be ashamed of your cowardly disrespect of our flag! Black, white, brown, red and many other races have died protecting that flag that you so despise. The most important is character of a coach is character, which you are totally lacking!

I am just really disappointed by the choices that were made Sunday. I am really at a loss for words. I don't want to be unkind, but I used to respect Tomlin. I used to enjoy listening to Tomlin during the post game interview. He was composed and professional. Not coming out for the National Anthem spoke volumes. I have four children that I would sit and watch the game with every weekend. If you attended school, you have learned how our nation came to be. Our flag and National Anthem represent this. There is no way the Rooney's approved of this.
We will watch again when there is better leadership on the field.

Coach way to go getting Villanueva’s “mind right.” A couple more weeks in the Mike Tomlin re-education camp should do the trick, but I’d never trust him to do what Mike Tomlin thinks is correct without a Steeler’s political officer present. To insure Mike Tomlin group-think, he’ll require 24-7 monitoring from now on.

Shame on you mike Tomlin!! While I believe your actions were well intended to keep your players out of the fray re: standing during our great country's national anthem, you vastly miscalculated. That decision was a poor one. Every citizen of the United States has the freedom to express themselves, including these athletes, however as employees of the steelers and the NFL, their conduct has parameters. Just as they would be ejected for saying F -you to a referee, they can and should be ejected for not respecting our nation. Freedoms have boundaries. They are not unfettered, that's called anarchy. If they feel there are social injustices, and there always will be then address them off the field on your own time. On the second point I cannot be as gracious. Pathetic move scolding the one guy on your team who had the guts to do the right thing. Way to go Villanueva.

Dear Mr. Tomlin.: I have been a Steelers fan longer than you have been alive and will be till my death. I am glad you guys were part of Sunday statement against trump but I do wish that Colin had not been blacklisted due to his stand from more than a year ago. I am sorry that we have a racist president and the only way I could be prouder of my team and NFL is if he could be allowed to play. I hope someone has the courage to hire him. Thanks to the Rooney's, my Steelers and our wonderful current Coach (and past coaches) for all the memories you have given me and to the future ones. Always, Annette

Coach Tomlin you lost my respect. As a Life long Pittsburgh Steeler fan.( I grew up in PA.) Never should you have questioned Alejandro Villanueva for his standing for the National anthem. I also am a Veteran (disabled) To say team unity is more important than his being a vet and standing during colors is simply STUPID. You simply do not understand. Alejandro Villanueva Sir, I Salute You!......Stand Tall and Strong ALWAYS..... Tomlin You and your players are playing-a-game for lots of money (millions of dollars) on national tv.Broadcast around the world. Veterans all understand unity as we put our life in each others hands without question on a daily basis not for big paydays or to be shown on tv to the world.Bullets and people attempting to kill you is a lot different than going to battle on the football field. Everyone should be ashamed To now cause Alejandro Villanuevato have regrets and self doubt because he stood for the anthem *ALONE* as all players are required to do so by he NFL rule book is disrespectful to us all. At Soldier Field no less! Keep all politics outside of football and the locker-room.While a player is in uniform they should be bound by team/NFL rules. Players in uniform represent the team, the city, the state, the NFL, and the United States of America... A lot of people gave their lives to defend and protect the Freedoms that everyone seems take for granted. So to allow this is UN-excusable! I do understand ok- make a statement/protest then do so OUTSIDE in street clothes or hold a press conference on their time. Use some of their millions to make a difference or to make the statement from their privileged position. Not during the United States National Anthem damnit. That is sacred to me, to us, and it is US. The national anthem and The flag represents our Country and our people. Yes with many diverse viewpoints not all of which are mutual. Yet we find Unity as a person, as a group, as a team, as a country because of this.You and the teams staying in the locker room or hallway was like you turned your back on this country, and spit in my face during the celebration of the anthem. Kneeling with locked arms or not is the same disrespectful thing.
(ya made a joke of this attempting to show unity from players,coaches,staff,owners,grounds keepers,hot dog and beer vendors ect) Again find other ways to voice your opinions At a different time and location. Please do not destroy my faith and fandom because as of right now your comments and the teams actions made me want to quit watching any nfl games. To watch this disrespectful act spread throughout the entire nfl and now into other sports around the tv viewing world is disheartening. The league should fine/fire refusal to comply with the rules. *(rulebook)* No Balls! mr Goodall with what they are paying you.Ben, I gave my/your cherished jersey away yesterday and was so sad thinking about it later on it made my blood boil. As a Veteran, My self and my family have endured quite a lot of trying times and sacrificed much during my career. and yet never thought we would see such a disrespectful display by grown adults within our own country. I do not think we will support the team or the nfl any longer.
So saddened its no longer enjoyment of watching football

Mr. Tomlin, If you don't want to make a political statement, simply stand for the National Anthem. No more hiding in the locker - Now that was a political statement!

Tomlin - I understand the logic of trying to stay out of it, but it was bad logic. Your safest path was to require everyone to stand. Period. Now I just watch Villanueva pour his heart out because he has been made to feel responsible for this when really you are responsible. It really should be you apologizing for putting him in that pressure situation. There are many ways to protest and make a difference in our world. Don't choose the despicable one - STAND for the ANTHEM. Period.

Don't you ever quit the NFL Mike. The NFL needs you. God Bless. A Ravens fan.

Even dogs don't crap in their own houses but it looks like many NFL players do.

As a fan for the Steelers for many years, some of my fondest memories was my father and I watching the game together. Those were the good times. He a Korean vet. He enjoyed his Steelers, as did his family. He would be disgusted with the actions that are happening. Sadly he passed away back in 2015 at a veteran nursing home.

If you wish to stay in the locker room, stay there. If you wish to take a knee, take it. or anything else you feel you need to do because the season is over for me. I'm doing other things to fill my time instead of wasting it on watching you play a game. I know it will not make any difference to the Steelers because you made your income already for this year. But next year it will be different. Because I will have moved on to something else. You see once you develop a habit filling your time with other things there will be no time for the Steelers.

Mr. Tomlin, my family is so disappointed you care so little of those who pay you and your players. Without fans, there is no NFL. You had your team hide in the locker room for one reason only. To stick it to the President of the United States of America. Don't claim it is about oppression of blacks! If that were truly the case, you would have been in the locker room since Colin Kapernick took a knee. I've cancelled NFL stations and boycotted all NFL sponsors. I have let each sponsor know. Actually have gone to grocery stores and put a Boycott NFL sponsored products on the Dannon display case.

I used to admire Mike Tomlin. That all came to an end when the so called leader of the team had his team stand in the locker room during the National Anthem. Worse than that, the so called leader of the team called out the 1 player who was an armed forces veteran who had the courage to stand alone and honor our flag. It was absolutely disgusting to hear him throw him under the bus during the interview because he defied the rest of the team. The coach should have walked out and stood beside the player. Mike Tomlin either does not like the country he lives in and is ashamed of it or he is afraid of upsetting his players that work for him. Either scenario is bad and he is certainly not the man I thought he was. How disappointing. Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are a giant disappointment! Did I mention the ONLY team to stay in the locker room for the National Anthem.

Mr. Tomlin and Steelers Staff, I have been a season ticket holder for 23 years. They will NOT be used. I will not sell them as I would rather see empty seats than make money. I received your ' disingenuous letter'. You jumped on the anti Trump political bandwagon and forced your team to be cowards and give a slap in the face to not only your fans but this country as well. Jackie Robinson DID something about racial inequality! Hiding in the locker room did nothing for your 'so called cause'. I'm not only disappointed but angrier than I have been in years. I had to sit my kids down and explain it is YOUR fault they will no longer go the the games, watch the NFL or wear Nike. Thanks a lot, anti American Tomlin. Hope it was worth it.

As a long-time fan of all Pittsburgh sports, I want to register my displeasure with the way the team handled the National Anthem issue past weekend.
You are either FOR or AGAINST our Veterans who fought so bravely for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. The decision to "not get involved" by staying in the concourse during the National Anthem is disheartening, to say the least. As a team that normally embodies all that is good in sports today, your response was disappointing.
I have chosen to boycott not only the Steelers, but the entire NFL, until the time when both organizations show their complete respect for our Veterans. This is not a time to be lukewarm on this issue, as their are better ways to show solidarity with those whom you feel may be treated disrespectfully in our communities. Showing blatant disrespect for our Veterans is not one of those ways to support others.
While Mr. Rooney's open letter to fans was nice, it didn't address the issue at hand. Stating that you don't want to be involved in "political" issues is not enough - what IS required here is taking a stand for the good. & you failed miserably.
I am actively soliciting others in my circle to boycott the NFL, & I do have many participants, at least in words so far. Many in my circle are completely disgusted with the response of the NFL in general to this issue, & we are taking action. We know that many in this country simply don't care or are not committed enough to take a stand, but we are. We will not participate in anything NFL or Steelers until your position changes. Thank you.

Addendum: If this message should be directed elsewhere, please let me know, & I will send it to the Steelers Front Office, or Mr. Rooney, or someone else who cares enough to respond. Thank you.

Mr. Villanueva is a hero, in many ways. The rest of the team are all losers. I'm not watching.

Mr. Tomlin, You put yourself in a lose-lose position. Players kneel or you hide in the locker room for a 'cause'. Get a bit of pushback and then the 'cause' is no longer important??? Makes zero sense. Either you believe in something or not. MLK did not go half way or stop when things got a teensy bit uncomfortable for him.

I am thoroughly dismayed and disgusted that you, Tomlin, encouraged the team to engage in a disrespectful stunt that dishonored our nation, our law enforcement officers, and our servicemen and women.You provided support to criminals and thugs, and provided gratuitous endorsement of Colin Kaerperick's ignorant and childish ranks. You should be ashamed.

Why the hell are you still here THUG? Even dogs know not to sh*t where they eat. Move to China or N. Korea where you'll be put on your pedestal. You belong there not here. No apologizing or forgiveness for being who you are. We all see your true colors now and we are eternally grateful that you are now exposed.

First what did on bye week sure didn’t prepare for the Colts. I am an Army veteran, I feel that all teams are disgrace the current and military veterans. By letting some players disgrace American way is totally wrong. If players have disbelief about what the military and veterans have done for them to play football, the put there life on the line. The player who has disbelief has free right to go to the country and start a football league of there on league. Just check the cemetery and see how many veterans are buried there. Then check how many football players are there.

Please reply to me Mr Tomlin. She's recently widdowed, and her son is the best receiver at Warren Central high school in Vicksburg Mississippi. If you find time, please answer my prayers. Thanks and good luck on the season.

Coach: I was present and in attendance at this past disappointment loss against the Patriots. After listening to friends,family and sports announcers about Jesse's catch and the golden rule that may have cost us the game, I feel impelled to add my two cents. First off I think that the game was lost way before that drive took place. A matter a fact, that drive should of never taken place! How can your OC control and protect a 4 point lead with three minutes left to the game. Going three and out should of never been in the equation. Giving the ball to Brady with a little under 3 minutes was the game! My other frustration which is the most, is why would you put one of your smallest DB in man on Gronk (Creating a total miss match) instead of using Harrison at his outside position, taking Watt and make him play Gronk on the line banking on the line , with help over the top? That would give your pass rush a fighting chance getting to Brady. I respect you and what you stand for but sometime its the obvious that needs to be addressed. My closing statement, play and coach like that and you will not get pass Jacksonville!
Best of luck

Coach Tomlin,

Man, what an awesome game to watch this past Sunday. I am a 50 yr old former MLB pitcher living in Tennessee ( I only share that info to let you know I do know something about sports at a high level).
I have been a Steeler die-hard for 40 years. I have been to several games over the years to watch the black and yellow!! None more sweet than the rainy playoff game in Cincy two years ago. I was drenched, as was my whole family, but well worth it. I've seen you guys play in Atlanta, Nashville, Carolina, and even at Heinz Field ( 2009 vs Vikings--two defensive TD's in 4th qtr to win it).

I only write to say STAY THE COURSE man. Sunday was some of the best efforts I've ever seen from a Steeler team. I still say Jame's TD was a flawed application of the rule. But it could not be sweeter than to kick their tails in Gillette in Jan. I am so sick of their smug attitudes, from Kraft on down.

You have a Hall of Fame QB and you will be a Hall of Fame coach. Those two dudes in NE can't compare to you guys.

From all of us here in Tennessee and STEELER NATION everywhere; Let's UNLEASH HELL and kick some ass. Time for ring number 7!!!

Please pass on to Steelers leadership that if Harrison was cut because of Tomlin and Colbert you have lost a lifelong Steelers Fan in me and I am sure many others. Stupid decision to do this. Was bad enough before when he went to Cincinnati before now to screw him again. Foul on leadership. He is a competitor and wanted to play and should have been put in game more often if all the news and rumors out as of now are true then Tomlin and Colbert need to be released also.

Tomlin is stealing money. My 18 year old daughter can manage a game better than this nimrod. 3 weeks to prepare for Jax with Blake Bortles ... and they score 45?!? All other road teams have combined for 24 points in nearly 11 quarters this weekend. Tomlin ... please resign ... Pittsburgh fans deserve better.

I think ,and this is just my opinion that you should trade for Kellen Moore , back up Qaiterback to Dak Prescott. Since Ben is planning to retire I think Kellen will help your offense and so will Dobbs . But I’ve seen Kellen play in person and he can chuck as far as Ben if not further.

I think you should give Rushel Shell another look. He got hurt at the combine and couldn't compete or work out so he wasnt close to being in the shape he needed to be when you had him. Hes been working out for the last 6 months and is in the best shape hes ever been in. I kno the kid and hes as down to earth, loyal and as humble as anybody i ever met. The Steelers need a guy like him...he could teach a few of the spoiled brats we got how to be a team player. He deserves another shot.

Mike. My name is Steve. Im from Republic,PA. Please........ Get rid of Leveon Bell. I know he is a great back. But!!!!!! Do whatever needs done and Parlay that into a high draft pick. And a sideline to sideline inside linebacker and also a really good pressman cornerback across from Joe Haden. AND BENCH ARTIE BURNS...... Your running back are fine with Conner, Samuels, Ridley and Jarvion Franklin. Alot to build on there. Your tight end situation is stable now. And lets face it. Your WIDE OUT crew is I think the best in the League.PLEASE DO THIS...... YOU WILL KEEP YOUR JOB.... YOU WILL IMPROVE THE TEAM AS A WHOLE> AND YOU WILL GET YOUR 2ND SUPERBOWL RING AND THE ORGANIZATIONS 7th RING> LET ANOTHER TEAM WORRY ABOUT IF LEV>>> IS GOING TO HOLD OUT OR PLAY. FAITHFULL STEELERS FAN........ Steve Workman.

Do u think Colin Karpernick could be a good back up quarter back for Big Ben ?

Coach,

AB wants the Ball rightfully so and obviously we have a offensive ground game situation, This may be line related or possibly youth related. Have You thought about dropping AB & Conner in the backfield to give You a similar threat that Leveon Bell gave. This would give you a dual threat of run or pass again.

Just a thought,

Good Luck this week!

Mike Thomblin,

First off I’m a diehard Bengals fan, and I recently watched Mike Thomblin’s segment about O.U.R.

It’s funmy how fandom makes us. I grew up near Cincinnati and therefore hate certain people I don’t really know.

I thought the segment was Absolutely Fantastic, what powerful words from the man. I appreciate the effort you are showing towards a greater good.

I won’t root for you as a coach Mike, but I’ll damn sure root for you as a person.

Sincerely,

Bengals Fan

Ps, not a Twitter or Facebook guy so I’m not sure if this’ll ever get to the man. Just hope it does.

MikTomlin, you absolutely might be the worst coach in the league. The Steelers never had worse defense's than under your leadership.. Great job again coach..

Give LBs salary to a starving community in Angola. They would appreciate the gift, and you and the Steelers would be blessed.

Janice

I am very sad to admit that Coach Tomlin and I went to the same university. You do so little with some of the best talent in football. Even an everyday fan like me can see it. Just a sample - how in the world do you keep covering the opposing team’s best wide receiver (Allen) with a linebacker all game long? The undiscipline on this team in terms of penalties and mental mistakes is a direct reflection on you. The stupidity is just incredible. You should be ashamed of how your team performed in front of some of the past Steeler greats. I am very thankful I will be overseas on business the next two weeks so I don’t have to watch this abomination.

Time to bench Boswell,too many misses!

Go Steelers!!