Mics Caught Mike Tomlin Giving Cam Heyward a Sweet Pregame Pep Talk About Not Acting Old

The Steelers coach showed so much respect to his veteran player in this moment.

A hilarious pregame moment between Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Pro Bowl defensive lineman Cam Heyward is going viral.

Tomlin came over to talk to Heyward while the veteran was going through his pregame routine ahead of the team’s matchup with the Packers. And in perfect Tomlin fashion, he gave some motivational words while also finding a way to poke fun at Heyward’s age.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

“Don’t be acting old today. We’ll take care of your ass all next week,” Tomlin said. “You can sit on the couch until Thursday, but we need your ass today."

Here’s the hilarious video.

Nice moment between #Steelers Mike Tomlin and @CamHeyward before the #Packers game.

Tomlin: "Don't be acting old today, we'll take care of your ass all next week. But your ass can't be old today. You can sit on the couch until Thursday."

Heyward: "I got you."

Lots of mutual… pic.twitter.com/TdxqNW7T3j

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 16, 2023

The matchup with Green Bay was just the third appearance of the year for the 34-year-old Heyward, who missed six games with a groin injury suffered during Week 1. When healthy though, Heyward is still one of the most impactful linemen in the NFL, and Tomlin is clearly doing whatever it takes to motivate him.

Fans loved the interaction, which showed off the longtime Steelers’ coach’s ability to connect with and motivate his players.

😂😂I love mike Tomlin https://t.co/eIoLX90WGi

— 901_TrenchWork (@CoachHerb1) November 16, 2023

In Tomlin we trust https://t.co/EPnaLDHR2D

— Matt Henderson (@CoachMatt76) November 16, 2023

He ain’t perfect (no one is) and I want to win more playoff games but I will be sad when Mike Tomlin isn’t the Steeler head coach. https://t.co/wnoqkO8vkl

— Doug Tammaro (@DougTammaro) November 16, 2023

The Steelers are more than a football team, they’re a family #HereWeGo https://t.co/PD67m9NSiI

— SteelYinzer (@YinzerofSteel07) November 16, 2023

Favourite player, favourite coach #HereWeGo https://t.co/jP4TzKolEp

— JakeBroc (@BakeJroc) November 16, 2023