Maurkice Pouncey on Mike Tomlin’s extension: “He deserves it”

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to stand by head coach Mike Tomlin when they gave him a one-year contract extension Thursday, the day the team reports to training camp.

Obviously, as the players rolled into the Saint Vincent College dormitories, they were asked about Mike Tomlin’s new deal. As veteran center Maurkice Pouncey arrived for his 10th training camp, he gave a very candid response to Tomlin’s contract extension.

This per Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

His quote: “He deserves it. He runs the team the right way. He disciplines guys the right way. He’s everything you want in a head coach. I know if some offseasons he has taken some heat and some pressure, but I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else.”

Don’t think his words weren’t chosen carefully after such a tumultuous offseason. When Tomlin’s leadership and discipline were in question, and under the microscope, leave it to a veteran like Pouncey to back up his coach.

When people think of leaders on the Steelers’ roster, often times they think of those players who are the ones always in front of the cameras. Ben Roethlisberger being a prime example, but if you ask me, the true leaders are the ones who lead in their own way. The ones in the trenches who lead behind closed doors.

I would put Pouncey in that category, along with players like David DeCastro and Cameron Heyward. They lead by example, and Pouncey has started camp the right way. Whether you agree or disagree with Tomlin’s extension, you have to get on board with Pouncey’s words and what it truly means for the Steelers as they start camp hoping to be less like the Kardashians, and more like the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they gear up for Training Camp 2019!!