Le'Veon Bell has never been one to hold back, and his latest target is none other than his former head coach, Mike Tomlin. The ex-Pittsburgh Steelers running back took to social media to express his disbelief after learning about Tomlin's secret passion: building an elaborate city in the blocky world of Minecraft.
During a recent YouTube stream, Tomlin revealed that he's spent the last twelve years crafting a sprawling virtual metropolis, complete with public restrooms and even a Trump Tower. The revelation came as a shock to many, but Bell's reaction was particularly pointed, given the high stakes of their time together in Pittsburgh.
“we were tryna win super bowls and coach T was on minecraft building cities 😭,” Bell tweeted, encapsulating the sentiment of fans who wondered if Tomlin's hobby might have been a distraction during his tenure.
Tomlin, who never posted a losing season in 19 years as the Steelers' head coach, explained that he initially picked up the game to connect with his kids. As they grew older and lost interest, his own engagement deepened. “Over the course of time, they got just disinterested in the game. They go on to high school and so forth and off to college. Their participation became less and less over the years. My participation probably at times increased,” he said, adding that his level of fixation varied throughout the year.
For Tomlin, Minecraft became more than just a pastime—it was a form of therapy. “I’m not a big TV watcher. It allowed me to detach from the realities and the pressures of life,” he shared, offering a glimpse into how he decompressed from the intense demands of coaching.
His attention to detail in the game was meticulous. He proudly noted the inclusion of restrooms in all public facilities, ensuring that even his virtual citizens had proper amenities. And yes, he included a Trump Tower, but with a caveat: “Not an endorsement. … This build is [circa] 2015 … we didn’t think he would win … TWICE.”
While Bell's jab was in jest, it highlights the ongoing debate about work-life balance in professional sports. Tomlin, now an analyst for NBC, might have found a new calling as a gaming streamer, but his former players clearly haven't forgotten the Super Bowl titles that eluded them.
As the football world reacts to this unexpected crossover, one thing is certain: Tomlin's Minecraft city is a testament to his dedication, even if it comes at the expense of a few Lombardi Trophies. For more on the latest coaching moves, check out A.J. McCarron's new role.
And while Bell's comment might sting, Tomlin can take solace in the fact that his virtual city is arguably more organized than some NFL offenses. For a look at how other coaches handle pressure, see the Giants' trade for McCarthy and the fan reactions it sparked.
