From the Steelers Locker Room: Mike Tomlin on ‘Honor’ of Coaching Ben Roethlisberger

Alan Saunders |

Updated: Dec 6, 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For 15 years, Mike Tomlin has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and for 15 years, Ben Roethlisberger has been his quarterback.

That run came to an end on Sunday, with the Steelers losing 42-21 to the Kansas City Chiefs in what Roethlisberger has said will likely be his final NFL game.

The moment was emotional one for many reasons, with the team’s rocky 2021 season coming to a crashing halt in a drubbing at the hands of the two-time reigning AFC champs.

But it was made all the more so by the fact that No. 7 has likely been worn for the final time in Steelers history.

Tomlin said after the game that he couldn’t find the words to describe what Roethlisberger meant to him and the team.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure, man,” Tomlin’s said. “I don’t have the words.”