Coach Mike Tomlin addressed several topics as the Pittsburgh Steelers transitioned their training camp from Saint Vincent College to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Tomlin noted that while the location has changed, the quality and nature of the team’s work have not been negatively affected. He acknowledged some distractions associated with returning to Pittsburgh but emphasized that these are part of regular season life.
Discussing changes at quarterback, Tomlin highlighted Aaron Rodgers’ arrival as a significant upgrade over last year’s roster. “Aaron. He has a unique resume, and not only a unique resume and experience, but those who have watched practice realize he still has very unique arm talent. There’s not a throw that he can’t make from any body position or from any angle. He’s a unicorn. He’s one-of-one. And so it makes it a totally different conversation,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin also praised Rodgers’ mental skills: “He’s the best. He’s the best in the world at the line of scrimmage – mannerisms and changes of pace and cadence and so forth. His intellectual game is just on the ceiling. His physical talents are unique, but his intellectual talents are just as rare.”
With the preseason finale against Carolina approaching, Tomlin explained its importance for players fighting for roster spots: “It is the last opportunity for people to state a case for themselves, and I don’t want to understate that. There’s real opportunity there… you do have an opportunity to put an exclamation point on your work.”
As cut-down day nears, Tomlin described his approach as multitasking between planning for current players and scouting future opponents such as the Jets or Seattle Seahawks. He stressed that decisions about reducing the roster to 53 players often remain unsettled until after final preseason games due to possible injuries or trade offers: “You know, there’s always some difficult decisions and conversations… I’ve learned to wait, to live in the moment, and to make all analysis and decisions on the other side of this game.”
He pointed out how market dynamics can affect roster choices: “The market. Somebody might call you and give you an offer you can’t refuse for someone… It’s just business. There are layers to it.”
On offseason acquisitions, Tomlin stated: “You never say never… We’ve certainly had an active offseason, but all of these opportunities kind of came at us individually.” He added openness toward further moves if suitable opportunities arise.
Tomlin downplayed traditional notions of starting roles given modern football’s specialization: “Specialization is a component of our game today… ‘starters’ in 2025 is a slippery slope.” Personnel usage will depend on matchups each week.
Regarding special teams contributions influencing roster spots, Tomlin said: “On a case-by-case basis… Some positions, special teams contributions are more significant than others.” He cited Miles Killebrew’s All-Pro status as evidence that exceptional play on coverage teams can secure a roster spot.
Reflecting on training camp since July 23, Tomlin commended team camaraderie: “I think they work at togetherness… It appears that we have a collective group that really like each other and really are working to get to know one another…”
Asked about team attitude heading into the season, he remarked: “I would agree with that [the team having an edge], but I imagine our opponents do as well… If that edge remains [through adversity], then it’s real.”
