A tearful Aaron Rodgers reportedly made an emotional apology to Mike Tomlin after the Steelers head coach announced his exit.
Tomlin joined the Steelers as head coach in 2007 and spent 19 seasons at the helm in Pittsburgh.
But he called time on his legendary tenure in the aftermath of the Steelers’ wild card playoff loss to the Houston Texans on Monday.
Tomlin revealed his decision to the team on Tuesday, with Rodgers one of several players who struggled to contain their emotions.
That is according to The Athletic, who revealed that in the team meeting room a ‘sobbing’ Rodgers told Tomlin: ‘I’m sorry.’
The legendary quarterback, 42, joined the Steelers this season after Tomlin reportedly courted Rodgers for some time. There was hope that the four-time MVP would allow Tomlin and Pittsburgh to end a run of six-straight playoff losses.
Aaron Rodgers reportedly made a tearful apology to departing Steelers coach Mike Tomlin
The legendary quarterback reportedly ‘sobbed’ after Tomlin announced his departure
Rodgers previously said that he only moved to the Steelers because of Tomlin. But the quarterback failed to prevent the Texans from securing a 30-6 win on Monday night.
The 42-year-old was not alone in struggling to deal with Tomlin’s announcement. It’s claimed linebacker TJ Watt simply repeated ‘No, no, no’ as tears filled his eyes. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr, meanwhile, was said to be ‘almost hyperventilating.’
Tomlin still had two more years on his contract in Pittsburgh but the Steelers are now looking for their fourth head coach since 1969.
‘After much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers,’ Tomlin said in a statement.
‘This organization has been a huge part of my life for many years, and it has been an absolute honor to lead this team. I am deeply grateful to Art Rooney II and the late Ambassador Rooney for their trust and support.
‘I am also thankful to the players who gave everything they had every day, and to the coaches and staff whose commitment and dedication made this journey so meaningful.’
He added: ‘While this chapter comes to a close, my respect and love for the Pittsburgh Steelers will never change. I am excited for what the future holds for this organization, and I will forever be grateful for my time coaching in Pittsburgh.’
