Steelers' Mike Tomlin Breaks Down How The Bengals' Ugliness Sparked A Great Cam Heyward Tradition

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a wild finish where they beat the Baltimore Ravens to win the AFC North and punch their ticket to the postseason. After the win, the great tradition of Mike Tomlin and long-time defensive leader Cam Heyward walking off the field together was, of course, on full display. 

Though Aaron Rodgers has started to join in on the tradition in the 2025 season, long before Rodgers arrived in Pittsburgh, Tomlin and Heyward were doing this for much different reasons than they do today. What began as a simple postgame ritual has grown into one of the defining images of Steelers football, symbolizing leadership and the bond between coach and player.

While speaking with Rich Eisen on Wednesday, Tomlin detailed how the tradition with Heyward truly started. Its origins trace back to games against the Cincinnati Bengals during the days when Vontaze Burfict and Adam "Pacman" Jones played for the team. Those matchups were intense and physical, and the ritual of walking off the field together began as a way for Tomlin and Heyward to demonstrate solidarity and leadership in challenging situations. It also was a form of protection and a private moment meant to reinforce the culture of toughness and accountability that Tomlin has built in Pittsburgh.

"You know, it probably goes back to our days to be honest with you when that rivalry was really heated versus the Cincinnati Bengals," Tomlin said. "They had Vontaze Burfict and 'Pacman' Jones and stuff, I think Cam [Heyward] just wanted to walk out with me man because people would be throwing stuff at us [laughs], when we would exit the tunnel."

Over time, the ritual became more widely recognized and celebrated, but its roots remain tied to those early moments of adversity against the Bengals. Walking off the field together became a way to show the team how to finish games with unity and purpose. 

Today, it continues to be a symbol of the strong connection between Tomlin and Heyward and a reminder of the culture that has defined the Steelers for years.

"If you really want to hear the real story, some of these road game venues have been very hostile environments and that is why we started to walk out together," Tomlin explained.

The tradition of Tomlin and Heyward walking off the field together after games is more than just a visual moment for fans. It represents the foundation of Steelers football, where leadership, accountability, and unity are emphasized at every level of the organization. 

What began as a private gesture during challenging matchups against the Bengals has grown into a defining symbol of the team’s culture. It shows that even in moments of success or adversity, the connection between coach and player, and the example they set for the rest of the roster, remains a priority.

Steelers Head Into The Postseason With A Lot To Fight For

As the Steelers head into the postseason, this tradition takes on even more significance. It reminds the team of the hard work and resilience required to win the AFC North and signals to the locker room that finishing strong is a shared responsibility. With Heyward serving as the bridge between veteran leadership and the next generation, and Tomlin continuing to shape the team’s identity, the ritual embodies the values that have made Pittsburgh a consistent contender.

Ultimately, the walk off the field is a reflection of the Steelers’ commitment to excellence, both on and off the field. It is a reminder that the team’s culture is built on respect, toughness, and togetherness, and that those qualities will continue to guide them in the postseason and beyond.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

#SteelerNation