Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has made a decisive declaration to his players for the upcoming season: no kneeling on the field will be tolerated.
Tomlin’s announcement surprised many within the team, especially considering the Steelers had previously seen a significant number of players engage in kneeling protests since 2017.
Expressing his frustration, Tomlin stated, “I’m tired of people disrespecting America and being unable to stand and acknowledge a song for just two minutes each week. It’s absurd.”
Supporting Tomlin’s stance, several assistant coaches confirmed his strong opposition to kneeling during games. While this directive posed challenges for some aspects of the game, such as holding snaps without kneeling, the team adapted accordingly.
However, concerns have been raised by some players regarding the potential impact on pre-game and touchdown prayers, questioning the logic behind a blanket ban on all forms of kneeling.
As the season unfolds, the Steelers will navigate Tomlin’s directive, with many expressing gratitude for his prioritization of America’s values.