http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
TAMPA — Mike Tomlin didn't allow the moment to pass without acknowledging a special influence in his life.Tomlin keeps his personal life private. He's strictly a football man who's normally short with his answers when talk turns to family.
Winning Super Bowl XLIII in his second season as Steelers coach ignited emotions deep within Tomlin.
In the midst of discussing the improbable 27-23 comeback win against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium Sunday night, Tomlin changed course and spoke directly to his stepfather, Leslie Copeland.
"Hey, Chief, this is for you," Tomlin said to Copeland, who was standing to the side with other family members that included Tomlin's mother, his wife Kiya and his three children.
Tomlin continued with his tribute to Copeland, who married his mother, Julia, during his youth.
"This guy right here, he's not my father," Tomlin said, "but he's my father.
"I love you, man."
In a rare display of public emotion, Tomlin had Copeland join him on the podium.
Copeland was asked about the origins of Tomlin's tireless work ethic as an NFL coach that's already become legendary.
"He works long hours. I've told him you've got to do what you have to do,'' said Copeland, a supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service.
"Just like I used to tell him when he was growing up: 'I've got to go to work today.' He'd say, 'Dad, where are you going?' 'I'm going to work.' He found out that you have to do what you have to do.
"In high school, he was an honor student in math. He was the smartest kid in his class. He's got to be (number) one in whatever he does."
During Super Bowl media day last week, Tomlin said his mother, who wanted him to become an attorney, inspired him to coach.
"The personal sacrifices she made for my brother (Eddie) and me, and allowed us to do what it is we desire to do," he said. "In the midst of it all, we had a tough upbringing. But never once did we think that there was something we couldn't do. She's as big a reason as any why I do what I do today."
Tomlin, however, couldn't have led the Steelers to a record sixth Super Bowl if he didn't have a team to coach.
Still caught up in the emotion of the moment, Tomlin admitted to coaching the Steelers with an attitude.
"I'm very blessed to be hired by the Rooney family. They took a chance on a 34-year-old coach with not a long resume," said Tomlin, the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl. "They took a little criticism for it, and I took it personal. I wanted to ante up and add to their legacy."
Sharing a special moment with family and friends provided a window into Tomlin's character that offered rare insight into one of the hottest coaches in pro football.
No comments:
Post a Comment