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PITTSBURGH — Speaking publicly for the first time since stepping down as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin called serving the team and the city an honor in remarks made on Thursday at The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Dinner Gala.
Tomlin and his wife Kiya were honored as the recipients of the Patricia Rooney Community Impact Award during the 50th anniversary celebration of The Ireland Funds, and he acknowledged his recent departure from the Steelers. Tomlin stepped down on Jan. 13 after 19 seasons as the team’s head coach.
“It’s often said that we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time — like you have to choose,” Tomlin said. “I think our experience here in Pittsburgh, with the great Steelers organization, exemplifies that. We’ve been here for a long and really good time.”
“It’s been an honor to serve the greatest organization in sport. It’s been an honor to be a part of this great community, to call it home, and for our kids to call it home. We’re in somewhat of a nomadic business, and so we don’t take that for granted that our kids get an opportunity to call Pittsburgh home.
“It’s been an honor to serve the community in which we live, it’s values that we hold, and it will continue.
“We appreciate the recognition, but as my wife said, we certainly don’t do it for that. We’ve been extremely blessed and we’d just like to share those blessings. Thank you.”
Tomlin declined to speak with reporters or take questions before his appearance.
In addition to the Tomlins, The Ireland Funds also recognized actor and Pittsburgh-area native Michael Keaton on Thursday with the Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award. The Ireland Funds are a global philanthropic network co-founded by Dan Rooney in 1976.
Mentioned In This Article: Ireland Finds Ireland Funds Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers