Birth Father of Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Dies of Apparent Heart Attack

by Neal Coolong on Jan 17, 2012 5:10 PM EST

The Steelers confirmed head coach Mike Tomlin's father, Ed Tomlin, passed away at age 63, the victim of an apparent heart attack.

Several reports, including this one from the Post Gazette in July of 2007, indicated Mike Tomlin was raised by his mother, and barely knew his birth father at all. The article refers to Leslie Copeland, his step father, as the only dad he ever knew.

Ed Tomlin was the head of the Ocala, Fla., chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 2003-06. He resigned the position in 2006 citing health reasons.

Ed Tomlin played for what is now Hampton University and was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1968. He played eight games in the Canadian Football League that season.

No statement has been released from the Steelers on the issue, and no word has come from Mike Tomlin. If nothing else, we wish he and his family peace during this tough time.

Tweet Comment 19 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Wow

My thoghts and prayers go out to Mike and his family

by Lamarr56 on Jan 17, 2012 5:19 PM EST reply actions

That's terrible

But for a minute I thought it said that Tomlin was the one who had died of a heart attack! 0_0

Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte

There’s a lot of stuff we wouldn’t have to clean up if the city provided basic human rights, like a Port-A-Potty.
-OWS Protester

Cornell University Class of 2014

by LV Steelers Fan on Jan 17, 2012 5:35 PM EST reply actions

That would probably result in the first ever all caps headline on BTSC

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Jan 17, 2012 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

No Doubt

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 18, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

Difficult time for the Tomlin's

Heartfelt sympathy and prayers.

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 17, 2012 11:46 PM EST reply actions

Sorry for Mike and his family

"Everytime NE Patriots lose, Football wins", myself

by rhino-mike on Jan 18, 2012 1:40 AM EST reply actions

My condolences to Mike

Does anyone know which CFL team his dad had played for? I would have checked wikipedia but it is closed down for the Sopa/Pipa protests.

anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 18, 2012 8:56 AM EST reply actions

Wikipedia being down

is killing me. I use that site entirely too much

by blitzzburgh on Jan 18, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

His Dad..

played for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL.

by ColinP on Jan 18, 2012 9:26 AM EST reply actions

Yet another Steelers - Als connection

Too bad the Bombers haven’t a connection like that with the Steelers… or any other NFL team afaik.

anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 18, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

Argonauts

Steelers played and defeated the Toronto Argonauts convincingly around 1961, I think they were playing under CFL rules.

Getting back to Mike Tomlin, it’s obviously sad news about his biological father. I do encourage people to check out the link provided to the July 2007 feature about Tomlin, it’s a great read. It really shows why Tomlin’s background growing up, paved the way to his success as Head Coach.

by SteelStealth on Jan 18, 2012 1:57 PM EST reply actions

that

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

Franco Harris:
"If I had to choose today between the moral integrity and character of Joe Paterno and the politicians and commentators criticizing him, I would pick Joe Paterno, hands down, no contest every time."

by showtime on Jan 18, 2012 8:46 PM EST up reply actions

dang it that was some decent trivia

my enter button is way to easy to hit apparently

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jan 18, 2012 8:47 PM EST up reply actions

I vaguely remember that exhibition game.....

….and I think they played the first half under CFL rules and the second half under NFL rules.

The score 41-9 comes to mind.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Jan 19, 2012 9:17 PM EST up reply actions

Thoughts and prayers to the Tomlin family

"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman

by Pittsblitz56 on Jan 18, 2012 11:26 PM EST reply actions

We’re pulling for ya Mike!

Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?

by FrankWyt on Jan 19, 2012 12:18 AM EST reply actions

mike tomlin's dad

i hope coach tomlin sees these comments, there’s many people like me who’s never met him, but feel close due to being a steelers fan. our condolences on his dad passing, it don’t get easier, i know my wife misses her dad, i’m fortunate to still have both my parents. may god be with coach’s family in this tough time

mike porter

by ihmike on Jan 19, 2012 9:21 AM EST reply actions

Steelers

The Steelers should have won the superbowl last year. Tomlin has to go as he doesn’t seem to have control of his players. Packers did’t win, Pittsburgh lost it all by themselves with stupid penalties, poor clock management and a lacadasical coach who can’t control his players. Looked the same this year in the playoffs!