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Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Finally Speaks Out, Revealing the “Special” Reason Why the Team Is Still Keeping Head Coach Mike Tomlin Despite Enormous Pressure

Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Finally Speaks Out, Revealing the “Special” Reason Why the Team Is Still Keeping Head Coach Mike Tomlin Despite Enormous Pressure – and That Reason Is Said to Be Directly Tied to the Future of the Entire Steelers Organization

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 11/12/2025

As pressure from fans and media continues to mount, calls to fire Head Coach Mike Tomlin have become the hottest topic in Pittsburgh. The storied franchise is enduring another inconsistent season, and the patience of “Steelers Nation” seems to be wearing thin. But in a rare exclusive interview, team owner Art Rooney II finally broke his silence — and his answer has captured the attention of the entire NFL.

Steelers president Art Rooney II sidesteps question regarding Mike Tomlin's  future - CBS Sports

“People talk about firing a head coach like it’s just a decision on paper,” Rooney said firmly. “But there are things bigger than winning – something we’re building right now that will define the future of the Steelers for years to come. And for that to happen, Mike Tomlin has to be a part of it.” He paused for a moment before adding, “When you truly understand what the word ‘legacy’ means, you’ll know why we can’t make that change right now.”

His statement spread quickly across social media. Some saw it as excessive loyalty toward a coach who has been with the team for nearly two decades, while others viewed it as a sign that Rooney is looking beyond short-term results. Pittsburgh is set to host the 2026 NFL Draft, a historic milestone expected to bring millions to the city and showcase a united, steady image of the Steelers on a global stage.

Tomlin, who has led the team since 2007, has never had a losing season — a rare accomplishment in NFL history. Yet nearly ten years without a playoff win has tested the patience of many fans. Still, for Rooney, stability and identity are not things to be traded away.

“Pittsburgh doesn’t operate out of panic,” he said firmly. “We build to last — not to please in the moment.”

With that statement, Art Rooney II seems to have closed the door on speculation. Mike Tomlin will remain at the helm of the Steelers at least through the 2026 NFL Draft, when the eyes of the entire football world — and the city of Pittsburgh — will turn toward what could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the franchise’s proud history.

Just Three Hours After Being Released by the Packers, 2× Pro Bowl Star Deletes Every Post About Green Bay After His Attempt to Take a Pay Cut to Stay Was Rejected — His Vow Never to Return Leaves Packers Nation in Sympathy
Green Bay, Wisconsin – The offseason took an emotional turn for the Green Bay Packers when the organization decided to release veteran offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins as part of a salary-cap adjustment. But what happened just hours later turned the situation into one of the most emotional storylines of the week across the NFL. According to multiple reports, Jenkins — a two-time Pro Bowl selection and former All-Pro honoree — had attempted to negotiate with the team and even offered to take a pay cut in order to remain with the franchise that originally drafted him. The effort ultimately fell short as Green Bay chose to move forward with a roster reset, clearing nearly $20 million in cap space for the 2026 season. Just three hours after the release became official, fans began noticing something unusual on Jenkins’ social media accounts. Every post connected to his years in Green Bay — from locker room celebrations to photos wearing the iconic green-and-gold uniform — had quietly disappeared. Jenkins had been one of the pillars of the Packers’ offensive line since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. Throughout multiple seasons, he built a reputation for rare versatility, capable of playing guard, tackle, and center at an elite level, and was widely regarded as one of the most reliable and flexible offensive linemen in the league. At his peak, Jenkins was often described as Green Bay’s “secret weapon” on the offensive front. He protected multiple quarterbacks over the years and helped anchor an offense that consistently remained competitive during several playoff runs. His ability to seamlessly shift across nearly every position along the offensive line made him one of the most trusted players inside the Packers’ locker room. At first, the decision to erase those memories surprised many fans. But once reports surfaced that Jenkins had been willing to sacrifice financially just to remain with the team, the reaction across Packers Nation quickly shifted from shock to empathy. Green Bay will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s where my journey truly began. But sometimes you fight to stay somewhere and still realize that chapter has ended, and when that moment comes, the only thing you can do is walk away with respect for every memory that was built there. While Jenkins did not criticize the organization, sources close to the situation say the emotional weight of the release influenced his decision to remove the posts. What surprised many even more was the report that Jenkins has told people close to him that he does not plan to return to Green Bay at any point in his career, choosing instead to start an entirely new chapter elsewhere in the NFL. Yet instead of anger, the reaction from Packers fans has largely been one of understanding. For many supporters, Jenkins’ willingness to take a pay cut simply reinforced what they had long believed. He wasn’t just protecting the quarterback on Sundays.He was trying to protect a home he once hoped would last his entire career.