Pittsburg Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Holds the Key to Super Bowl XLIV

Coach Mike Tomlin has always walked with the grandeur of a champion. But these days, he may take a quick peek over his shoulder to make sure that there’s no one hot on his heels. As the defending Super Bowl winner with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tomlin knows that every team in the NFL will be gunning for his spot and he appears more than ready for the challenge of protecting it.

With 21 starters returning, coach Tomlin’s only competition could be the challenge of making sure that his team doesn’t suffer from over confidence from last year’s Super Bowl victory. “We’re here to work,” said Tomlin during a recent interview at the team’s practice facility in Pittsburgh. “What we have done last year is the past. Last year’s Super Bowl championship was no different than the Super Bowl that the Steelers won in 1975. It’s important for us to respect the journey as opposed to the destination. If we take that approach, we will end up in the right place.”

Although one of Tomlin’s main priorities in 2009 will be to keep his team focused on winning one quarter at a time, he will not deny the historical significance and the spoils that come with winning a Super Bowl. Along with the parties and parades that were thrown in their honor, the Steelers got a chance to be the first NFL team to visit President Barack Obama at the White House.

“Visiting the White House was a great opportunity,” he says. “It’s the fruits of your labor that comes with winning a world championship. It was a blessed day and President Obama was very gracious and welcoming.”

During the off season, several media outlets projected that the Steelers would sign Michael Vick because he grew up in the same city as Tomlin — Newport News, Va. Tomlin recently revealed that the Steelers were never interested in Vick, but he understands why Tony Dungy was such an advocate for Vick to get a second chance.

“My relationship with Tony goes beyond football,” he says. “He’s a friend. What he did for me professionally was that he gave a young guy an opportunity. It’s something I remember on a daily basis. He took a chance on me. Now that I’m in my position, I weigh those things when I see other young men who need an opportunity.”

Mike Tomlin has made the most of his opportunity, making history in the process and expanding the legacy of the Pittsburgh Steelers. “You can’t put a price tag on tradition,” Tomlin says. “Our history and legacy is rich and event filled. It’s a driving force for us to have that standard to live up to.” –amir shaw