Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin threw some subtle shade at Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The 2026 NFL season is officially underway after Wednesday night's Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, their first test will come against the Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
After being released by the Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa quickly signed with the Falcons. Due to the injury Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from, he was named the starter for Week 1.
Tagovailoa played against the Steelers last season with the Dolphins. Miami ended up losing that game by a final score of 28-15.
Ahead of this week's game, former Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin spoke out and threw some subtle shade at Tagovailoa. He isn't expecting a good outing for him during his debut with the Falcons.
“It’s less about Aaron (Rodgers) for me, and it’s more about the quarterback on the other side (Tua Tagovailoa). His last visit to Pittsburgh didn’t go well. I was in the stadium that day. They lost. He got benched. So, I think it’s going to be a good day for Mike McCarthy, Patrick Graham, Pittsburgh Steelers and company,” Tomlin said.
On the other side of the field, the Steelers are set to kick of what Aaron Rodgers has openly said will be his final season in the NFL. He is hoping to ride off into the sunset of retirement after leading Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl win.
Rodgers re-signed with the Steelers on a second one-year deal. He threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions last year while completing 65.7 percent of his pass attempts.
Pittsburgh has gone all-in on winning this season. Another big offseason move was made with the trade to acquire wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. It was clear the Steelers are doing everything they can to surround Rodgers with talent.
ESPN has also weighed in on the upcoming matchup between Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Their matchup predictor currently gives the Steelers a 59.3 percent chance to knock off the Falcons and begin the year with a 1-0 record.
While Tomlin isn't expecting a good outcome for Tagovailoa and the Falcons, he has extra motivation. This could be his last chance to salvage a career that once looked so promising.
Only time will tell what ends up happening on Sunday. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET and fans will be able to tune in on Fox.
Tomlin clearly expects the Steelers to come out on top. He may no longer be coaching the Pittsburgh franchise, but his loyalty still remains obvious.
