Aaron Rodgers was reportedly overcome with emotion as he delivered a tearful apology to Mike Tomlin following the Steelers head coach’s decision to step down after 19 seasons in Pittsburgh.
The moment unfolded in the team meeting room on Tuesday, just hours after the Steelers’ season came to a crashing halt with a 30-6 wild card loss to the Houston Texans. According to reports, Rodgers-visibly shaken-told Tomlin, “I’m sorry,” through sobs, capturing the raw emotion of a locker room processing the end of an era.
Rodgers, 42, joined the Steelers this season in what many believed was a final-chapter pairing with Tomlin, a coach he’s long respected. The four-time MVP had previously said that Tomlin was the reason he chose Pittsburgh, hoping to help end the team’s six-game playoff losing streak and bring postseason success back to the Steel City. Instead, the season ended with another early exit and the unexpected departure of one of the NFL’s most respected head coaches.
Tomlin’s decision sent shockwaves through the locker room. Linebacker T.J.
Watt, one of the team’s emotional leaders, reportedly repeated “No, no, no” in disbelief, tears welling in his eyes. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was said to be nearly hyperventilating as the weight of the announcement settled in.
Tomlin, who took the reins in 2007, leaves behind a legacy that few can match. Over nearly two decades, he became a fixture in Pittsburgh-steady, consistent, and fiercely respected. He still had two years remaining on his contract, but chose to walk away on his own terms.
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Tomlin said in a statement. “This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team.”
He went on to thank team president Art Rooney II, the late Dan Rooney, his players, coaches, and staff, expressing gratitude for their trust, dedication, and shared journey. “While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change,” Tomlin added. “I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh.”
Tomlin’s departure marks a rare moment in Steelers history. Since 1969, the franchise has had just three head coaches-Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlin. Now, for the first time in nearly two decades, the search begins for a new voice to lead one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
For Rodgers, who arrived in Pittsburgh with championship hopes and a deep admiration for Tomlin, the announcement clearly hit hard. The quarterback’s emotional reaction wasn’t just about the end of a season-it was about the end of a partnership he believed could redefine the final act of his career.
Tomlin's exit leaves a void not just on the Steelers’ sideline, but across the NFL. His presence, leadership, and unwavering steadiness were hallmarks of the modern Steelers identity. And judging by the reaction from his players, his impact went far beyond wins and losses.