Mike Tomlin Abandons 18-Year Character Trait for Shedeur Sanders & Clears Stance on Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Future

Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in his 18 years as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he’s determined to keep it that way. But beyond that, the 53-year-old known for his direct, no-nonsense communication, just did something he hadn’t done in nearly two decades. And the reason? Shedeur Sanders.

We all know Mike Tomlin has a history of making some pretty big draft picks over the years. From Antonio Brown to Kenny Pickett, Tomlin’s always put talent above everything else. And now, it looks like Shedeur Sanders has caught his full attention.

Reporter Gerry Dulac even pointed out, “In 18 previous years, I don’t think I ever heard Mike Tomlin talk about any draft prospect, much less the detailed evaluation he offered today of Shedeur Sanders. Tomlin, though, freely admits he likes to create smokescreens and throw the draft experts off their scent.”

In 18 previous years, I don’t think I ever heard Mike Tomlin talk about any draft prospect, much less the detailed evaluation he offered today of Shedeur Sanders. Tomlin, though, freely admits he likes to create smokescreens and throw the draft experts off their scent.

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) April 22, 2025

The Steelers have been chasing a true franchise quarterback for a while now and haven’t quite found their guy yet. But after a pre-draft visit to Colorado, Tomlin and the team seem genuinely impressed with Sanders. When asked what stood out most, Tomlin didn’t hesitate. He praised Shedeur’s toughness and competitive spirit – two traits that don’t always show up in stat sheets.

The head coach said, “I think the things that stood out were evident in his video. There’s a toughness there that doesn’t get talked about enough. There’s a competitive spirit there that doesn’t get talked about enough. I know he’s very talented and he’s made a lot of plays for his university and his team — but the intangible qualities displayed on tape were impressive to me.”

And when it comes to Sanders’ famous father? Tomlin made it clear he’s only focused on the player, not the family ties. He explained, “To be quite honest with you, we didn’t talk a whole lot about my relationship with his father. It was a normal pre-draft visit to spend time with a young man. To talk ball, to get to know him as an individual, to get to see how he processes and sees the game and how he articulates his football experience. From that standpoint, it was a very normal visit and a very productive one.”

So, does this mean Tomlin and the Steel City are ready to make Shedeur Sanders their next great QB? Only time will tell. But until then, fans are keeping their ears open, especially to see what the HC has to say next for Aaron Rodgers.

Amid Shedeur Sanders’ possibility, Mike Tomlin opened up about Aaron Rodgers!

Aaron Rodgers might say the Steelers didn’t slap a 2025 deadline on him, but let’s be real, that doesn’t mean his spot’s locked in. During the 2025 Pre-Draft Press Conference, Mike Tomlin made it clear: Rodgers isn’t changing their draft game plan. So, this means, if they find the chance to draft Shedeur Sanders, they would not hesitate.

However, still, Mike Tomlin admitted the draft could change how things play out after. He said, “I think what you do in the draft oftentimes affects some talent acquisition that happens after. We’ll see how the acquisition goes after the weekend.” So, if the Steelers land a young stud like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart, Rodgers could be watching from the sidelines. But don’t close the door just yet.

GM Omar Khan did say they want four quarterbacks on the roster, so Aaron Rodgers still has a chance. But if we consider A-Rod’s statement, he is in a serious relationship and has yet to decide on his football career due to the need for strong commitment. So, now all eyes are on the 2025 NFL Draft, kicking off Thursday night at 7 PM EST. Steelers fans are holding their breath, waiting to see which way their team’s heart leans – Shedeur Sanders or someone else?

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