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Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin welcomes Smokey Robinson to training camp practice

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•08/07/24•

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Mike Tomlins Smokey Robinson
Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK//Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin got a treat to start training camp as music legend Smokey Robinson visited the team’s practice in late July. On social media, Tomlin shared a photo of the two with the caption, “What an amazing day having the legendary [Smokey Robinson] at practice. Can’t even express what an honor it was to get to meet him.”

Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network spoke to Robinson and asked him why he was at Steelers camp. “First of all, I love the Steelers. My wife is from Pittsburgh and I’m a Pittsburgh Steeler fan,” Robinson said. “I got a chance to have a dream come true today because I got a chance to meet Mike Tomlin in person, so I’m very happy.”

Robinson was then asked what did he speak to Tomlin about during their in-person conversation. “I told him I’ve always been a Steeler fan and I’m a big fan of his,” the 84-year-old explained. “He’s accomplished so much, and I’m so proud of him. I love him, and like I said it was a great pleasure to get a chance to just meet him in person because I’ve talked to him a couple of times on the phone. But I got a chance to be with him and have a conversation… spend some time.”

Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and a two-time inductee to the Hollywood Walk of Fame (one as a solo artist and one as a member of The Miracles). In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Robinson at No. 23 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All-Time.

Mike Tomlin signs three-year contract extension with Steelers

Tomlin’s meeting with Robinson comes nearly two months after he signed a three-year contract extension with the Steelers. The extension will keep Tomlin in Pittsburgh through at least the 2027 season.

“Mike Tomlin’s leadership and commitment to the Steelers have been pivotal to our success during his first 17 years as head coach,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a new release. “Extending his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships, while continuing our tradition of success.”

“I am appreciative for this contract extension and thankful for Art Rooney II for his support during my first 17 years in Pittsburgh,” Tomlin added. “We are continuing to work diligently to get back to where we belong – sustained playoff success with the ultimate goal of winning the franchise’s seventh Lombardi Trophy. I am very excited to get the 2024 season underway and provide our fans with a memorable year.”