There you have it, the 2-Seed wins the Super Bowl.  Sound familiar?

First of all, many thanks to all who participated.  We had close to 12,000 total votes cast.  Our Tomlinism Tournament was picked up by USA Today, the Post Gazette and numerous other web sites, so hopefully we welcomed a few new fans into the BTSC family. 

The Tomlinism Tournament featured a fine blend of colloquy: shorter and longer; previously spoken and original; timely and timeless; abrupt and philosophical; motivational and inspirational.  Regardless of the label, what was clear is that different elements turn different folks on in different ways.  I've heard a few arguments and even made a few of my own:  "How can you vote for this over that?"

The Champion 2-Seed, a combination of original, philosphical and motivational, proved itself a classic among Steeler Nation:

"Every day I walk by five Lombardi Trophies, not five rushing titles.  Willie's comments could be construed as selfish, which he is not."

Willie Parker and Mike Tomlin, the two principles of the Tomlinism Super Bowl Champion

To begin with, it was dead-on accurate.  Rushing titles mean nothing.  Some have said "we've got to get back to smash-mouth Steeler football," which sounds good to me in the snow and mud on Heinz Field in December, but the truth is, there are many ways to skin a cat.  You should never force players into a system that lessens their chances of success; instead, design a system around the talent you have to work with.  Tomlin gets it, and we've previously noted such with his handling of LeBeau's defense.

Secondly, just the fact that Tomlin acknowledged the reverance of those five Lombardi Trophies warms the cockles of Steeler hearts.  He could have made his point in other ways, but chose to do so by honoring glories of the past.  He made his point by reminding everyone how respectful he is of Steeler tradition.  That'll work.

Third, he ingeniously hinted that Willie's comments were selfish, but quickly pointed out that Willie was not selfish. It was almost a clever oxymoron to point out something in one direction at the same time claiming the speaker was in the opposite direction. What a crafty message and delivery. 

Finally, after this Tomlinism was said and done, Willie Parker was named team captain for the very next game, a cherry on top of a delicious sundae.  Tomlin stood strong, made his point, came to the defense of his player and then put that player at the 50-yard line for the next coin toss.  And there's your Super Bowl Tomlinism.

The significance of Mike Tomlin's communication skills goes far beyond cliches, sayings and clever little nuggets.  These things we call "Tomlinisms," while fun to talk about and even make into a playful little tournament, simply represent the tip of the iceberg.  Tomlin cuts to the bottom line, he makes no excuses, he separates the wheat from the chaff and has a profound respect for the organization for which he works and the Nation for which he serves.  That's what makes us all smile.

Thanks again for playing.  Together we all eat.