Mike Tomlin speaks on honoring Jason Gildon, Dick LeBeau
The Steelers, on Saturday, introduced their four-man class of inductees into the team’s Hall of Honor. And coach Mike Tomlin lauded them all, including Jason Gildon and Dick LeBeau.
Gildon was an outside linebacker and ace pass rusher for some of the best teams in Steelers history. The former Oklahoma State star played in Pittsburgh from 1994 through 2003, retiring as the franchise’s career leader in sacks.
LeBeau is one of the top defensive minds in league history. He served two stints as the Steelers defensive coordinator, including seven years alongside Tomlin.
A reporter asked Tomlin about honoring Gildon, who ended his career with the Steelers with 77 sacks. Gildon was on hand at Saint Vincent’s College to watch Saturday’s practice.
“I don’t want to misrepresent the relationship, I didn’t coach Jason,” Tomlin told reporters. “But obviously, outside linebacker in Pittsburgh is what makes Pittsburgh, Blitzburg. It’s generational. Young and new outside linebackers understand the men that come beforehand and the standards that are set and it’s a unique fraternity.
“It’s a beautiful thing to have Jason Gildon come out here,” Tomlin added. “LaMarr Woodlee last year (was at practice) and watching Lamar have a relationship with Alex Highsmith, a guy whose jersey number he’s been wearing. It’s just a unique thing to have continuity in that way and legacy and standard bearers.”
Tomlin called former Steelers DC ‘special leader’
Tomlin and LeBeau did work together. LeBeau, who was a star DB in the NFL, first coached the secondary in Pittsburgh from 1992-94. The Steelers then promoted him to defensive coordinator. He did another stint, re-joining the Steelers in 2004 and working there through 2014. (Tomlin got his start in 2007). LeBeau helped lead Pittsburgh to four Super Bowl appearances with two wins.
“Man, we don’t have enough time to talk about what makes Dick LeBeau, special,” Tomlin said. “He’s a special coach, he’s a special strategist, he’s a special leader, he’s a special communicator. He’s thoughtful, he’s good with people, the list goes on and on, man. Obviously deserving of the honor.”
Noseguard Casey Hampton, a former Texas Longhorn, and Willie Parker, a Steelers running back who starred at North Carolina, join Gildon and LeBeau in the Hall of Honor. They’ll be inducted Dec. 7 in conjunction with the Steelers home game against the Browns.
The Steelers started the Hall of Honor in 2017. It’s now an annual tradition.