Former Steeler reflects on 'Tomlinism' that caused chaos

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Former Steelers LB reflects on 'Tomlinism' that caused chaos

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 7/28/23

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is known for his "Tomlinisms," and after wearing a shirt with one of his favorites at training camp, one of the team's former linebackers couldn't help but share his memories of the phrase.

"If only you all knew the chaos that the slogan on his shirt has caused. It's incredible how legends were born, while dreams were simultaneously crushed," Vince Williams tweeted.

The "Tomlinism": "Two dogs, one bone."

Coach T at Camp! #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/U5RKjHFS2o
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) July 27, 2023

It certainly feels like the perfect "Tomlinism" with training camps across the NFL officially underway and multiple players on teams fighting for one spot.

Williams, a sixth-round pick in 2013, played for Pittsburgh from 2013-20. He had to fight his way onto the roster as a late-round draft selection and continuously prove himself year in and year out.

The Steelers have their fair share of position battles once again, including Dan Moore Jr. vs. Broderick Jones for left tackle, Allen Robinson II vs. Calvin Austin III for WR3 and Levi Wallace vs. Joey Porter Jr. for CB2.

Tomlin will surely voice his "two dogs, one bone" phrase along with several others over the next month as he shapes Pittsburgh's roster for the 2023 season. And if Williams is right, the Steelers will crush some dreams to find themselves some new stars along the way.

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