The Pittsburgh Steelers are embarking on a fascinating quarterback journey this season.
Their presumed starter will be Russell Wilson, a former Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champion quarterback trying to find his footing after a failed stint with the Denver Broncos. His backup will be Justin Fields, a young, talented if inconsistent starter seeking any measure of traction after his own failed stint with the Chicago Bears.
It certainly seems like Mike Tomlin is overjoyed that he’ll coach the latter Fields while the veteran Wilson serves as his mentor.
During the AFC coaches’ breakfast at the NFL’s annual league meeting, Tomlin was asked about his impression of Fields as a quarterback. The future Hall of Fame coach wasted no time gushing about Fields’ toughness and his capacity to be a leader as a franchise quarterback:
Mike Tomlin on Justin Fields:
“Oh my gosh, he oozes talent and potential. He’s worn the responsibility of being a franchise quarterback, but still he gets the opportunity to come into a community-like situation and learn from a guy who has been doing it for over a decade. Man,… pic.twitter.com/TouDaWC9Sl
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) March 25, 2024
Take notes, folks. That’s how a tried-and-true coach sets the table for his coaching of a young quarterback who needs some good old-fashioned confidence, structure, and support. Tomlin is one of one.
If there were anyone who could help turn Fields into a viable, upper-crust starter, it’d be him.