Julian Edelman, the legendary wide receiver who spent 12 seasons with the New England Patriots, has taken a major shot at Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers organization.
In a recent interview with Barstool Sports, Edelman was asked about his thoughts on the Steelers and Tomlin, and he didn’t hold back. Edelman, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, criticized Tomlin’s coaching style and the Steelers’ organization as a whole.
“I think Mike Tomlin is a great coach, but I think he’s a little too worried about being liked by his players,” Edelman said. “I think he’s a little too worried about being the cool guy, instead of being the guy who’s gonna get the job done.”
Edelman also took a shot at the Steelers’ organization, saying that they’re “stuck in the past” and that they’re not willing to adapt to the changing NFL landscape.
“The Steelers, they’re a great organization, but they’re stuck in the past,” Edelman said. “They’re not willing to adapt, they’re not willing to change. They’re just stuck in their ways, and that’s why they’re not winning championships anymore.”
Edelman’s comments are sure to stir up controversy in the NFL world, particularly among Steelers fans. Tomlin has been the Steelers’ head coach since 2007 and has led the team to two Super Bowl championships.
However, Edelman’s comments also reflect a growing perception among some NFL analysts and fans that the Steelers are in decline and that Tomlin’s coaching style is no longer effective.
The Steelers have not won a Super Bowl since 2008 and have not appeared in a championship game since 2010. The team has also struggled with consistency in recent years, failing to win more than 10 games in a season since 2017.
Edelman’s comments are likely to spark a heated debate among NFL fans and analysts, with some defending Tomlin and the Steelers and others agreeing with Edelman’s assessment.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it’s clear that Edelman’s comments have added fuel to the fire in the ongoing debate about the Steelers’ decline and Tomlin’s coaching style.
Reaction from Steelers Fans
Steelers fans took to social media to respond to Edelman’s comments, with some defending Tomlin and the Steelers and others agreeing with Edelman’s assessment.
“Julian Edelman is just mad because the Steelers always kicked the Patriots’ butts when he played,” one Steelers fan tweeted.
“Edelman is right, the Steelers are stuck in the past and Tomlin’s coaching style is outdated,” another fan tweeted.
Reaction from NFL Analysts
NFL analysts also weighed in on Edelman’s comments, with some defending Tomlin and the Steelers and others agreeing with Edelman’s assessment.
“Julian Edelman’s comments about Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are unfair and misguided,” NFL analyst Peter King tweeted. “Tomlin is a great coach who has won championships and Edelman should show some respect.”
“Edelman’s comments about the Steelers being stuck in the past are spot on,” NFL analyst Mike Florio tweeted. “The Steelers need to adapt and change if they want to start winning championships again.”
