The Pittsburgh Steelers live by the mentality that embodies their city. 

Grit, toughness, and physicality hones throughout the rich history of both Pittsburgh and the Steelers. 

But if that physicality is omnipresent, even in the offseason, that spells trouble for Pittsburgh, something Mike Tomlin made sure to avoid at all costs yesterday:

Mike Tomlin: “I don’t Know What he’s Talking About”

Following yesterday's conditioning test, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held a press conference to kick off the start of camp. And while he was visibly excited to give responses, one question left him anxious to shut down any false narratives:

"When Brian Baldinger visited you guys' during OTAs, he said it was the most physical OTA session that he saw. What's your anticipation for how physical things will be once the pads get on," asked a reporter. 

"I don't get what you're talking about in terms of physical OTAs, man," said Tomlin. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I have no idea what Baldy is talking about."

Now, if you wondering why Tomlin gave such a vehement response, that's because physicality in the offseason (including OTAs) is strictly prohibited by the NFLPA, and can lead to fines that could cost the Steelers practice days and hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Per the NFLPAs offseason rules, OTAs mark phase three of the offseason, which forbid any contact and no "live" drills or padded practices. 



So the slightest notion that Pittsburgh was too physical, or honestly physical at all, could start an investigation, or at least more curious eyes from the NFLPA come next offseason. 

And we have a precedent in this situation as recent as this year, with the New England Patriots losing two days of OTAs after violating protocol. 



Go back to last offseason and you'll find that the Jacksonville Jaguars and then coach Urban Meyer were fined $200,000 and $100,000 dollars respectively for having OTAs that were deemed to be physical and included contact. 

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So being the company man that he is, Mike Tomlin wasn't just looking out for his own wallet, but the organization as a whole. A few hundred thousand may come across as chump change in the NFL, but the reputation hit is one that Pittsburgh wants no part of. 

And the Steelers will be physical starting sometime next week when the pads come on. Mike Tomlin may be a players coach, but he's known for running a tight ship and a demanding camp.



So I'm sure that privately, Tomlin and the Steelers appreciated the sentiment, but publically, Tomlin made sure to save face and the Steelers from a lot of grief. 

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