Overview
- Multiple outlets citing NFL Media report Aaron Rodgers is not expected to return to Pittsburgh and could retire, a shift Rooney acknowledged would be tied to Tomlin’s decision.
- Tomlin made his first public appearance since stepping down by attending his daughter Harley’s gymnastics meet at Georgia, underscoring his focus on family.
- In a private farewell, Tomlin told players, “You deserve better, and right now I can’t deliver,” drawing emotional reactions from Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt and others.
- Kiya Tomlin posted messages praising her husband’s mentorship legacy and thanking Pittsburgh for 19 years of support.
- Independent fact-checks found no credible evidence for viral affair claims linked to Tomlin’s departure, as the Steelers begin a head-coach search while retaining his contractual rights.