Steelers' Mike Tomlin Tells Media It Isn't Any Of Their Business After Big Question

The Pittsburgh Steelers' first two games of the 2024 season have had a few interesting storylines surrounding them. In Week 1, Pittsburgh took on the Atlanta Falcons, so all the buzz was about Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith returning to his old stomping grounds. In Week 2, the Steelers traveled to Colorado to take on the Denver Broncos, so there was obvious drama there with quarterback Russell Wilson now donning the black and gold. The Steelers managed to get the win in both weeks, and they currently sit atop the AFC North with a 2-0 record.

Following the victory on Sunday, starting quarterback Justin Fields let it slip during his postgame press conference that Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave Wilson a "petty" game ball for beating his old team. Of course, Wilson didn't play, as he is still nursing a calf injury, but he did dress as the emergency third quarterback. Fields spoke about how it was an honor to get the win for Wilson, and Tomlin was asked about the "petty" game ball during his press conference on Tuesday.

"You know, none of your businesses, respectfully. There's certain things that go on among teams that I don't talk about, whether it gets out or how it gets out is unimportant to me. I'm not overly-guarded against it, but there's just certain things as a leader that I talk to the collective about that I have zero intentions of sharing with the larger public because it's about our collective and how we come together, how we appreciate and support one another."

Tomlin probably wasn't happy that Fields exposed that little nugget of what happened after the game Sunday. However, Tomlin has had worse happen in the locker room after a win. In 2016, Antonio Brown live-streamed the team's celebration after winning during the Divisional Round of the playoffs. This featured Tomlin speaking about their next opponent in a bad light. Thankfully, Fields' slip up is less significant. 

The idea of a "petty" game ball sounds like something Tomlin would do. Smith probably got one after taking down Atlanta in Week 1, along with all of his disciples that he brought to Pittsburgh with him. Tomlin is probably most looking forward to handing Patrick Queen one after a Steelers victory against the Baltimore Ravens later in the year. The head coach finished off his answer regarding what goes on in the locker room with one of the more interesting Tomlin-isms. 

"I can't give you all the ingredients to the hot dog, you might not like it."

This was Tomlin's final way of saying what goes on behind closed doors, will stay behind closed doors. Pittsburgh's next challenge will be their home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, who will be coming into the game with a 2-0 record as well. There aren't any notable players on the Pittsburgh roster that would earn a "petty" ball for this win, but taking down the undefeated Chargers would be a big deal for the standings in the AFC.

Steelers Have Had An Ideal Start To The 2024 Season

Pittsburgh starting the season off 2-0 is nice, but both wins were games they were supposed to win. Everything else within the AFC North has also gone well for Pittsburgh as both the Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals are 0-2 to start the year. They each have a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but their other losses are games they should have won. The Cleveland Browns are 1-1, giving the Steelers a nice lead in the AFC North to begin the year.

If the Steelers can continue this winning streak against the Chargers, it could prove to be a big deal as Pittsburgh's schedule turns into a gauntlet in the second half of the year.

What do you think about Tomlin giving out "petty" game balls? Let us know in the comments below!

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