When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Cleveland Browns CB Joe Hayden ahead of the 2017 season, they had already added a player founded as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He had the advantage of learning under Mike Tomlin, and was not a homemade talent that had the benefit of the Steelers signing QB Aaron Rodgers another established talent, so Hayden offered him advice on how to build a relationship with Tomlin and play under him. While appearing in Up & Adams.
“When we go there, he’s just a male leader. You have to just become a grown man. Just go there and be honest. Coach Tomlin does an amazing job of being able to build a real relationship with people,” Hayden said. “I and he had a relationship where you could talk to him. We got to the facility at breakfast and just had a real conversation and we could sit down.
“Coach Tomlin is very real. There’s no fluff. There’s no fakes, so when he says something to you, he really means it. You can go far from it. I think coach and Aaron can respect each other and have an open line of communication.
Rogers cited Tomlin as a major reason for signing with the Steelers, and the two started early on having a line of open communication across his free agency. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that he was honored with Tomlin’s decision to wait for Rodgers to address the process and personal issues. It was something that Rodgers had respect, in addition to reporting that it was a “drawing card” to sign with the Steelers of Rodgers.
Staying honest with one another and having a level of mutual respect is important to building a good partnership. Tomlin won the Super Bowl and is one of the league’s most respected coaches, while Rodgers won the Super Bowl (against Tomlin) and is also the four-time league MVP. Both men have achieved a lot in the NFL and are probably aware of that, and that should help their relationship flourish.
It should help Hayden become as positive as he believes, with the level of respect that incorporates Rodgers’ excitement to play for Tomlin. By playing for the Steelers, Rodgers gives him the opportunity to end his career with a high note playing for a stable organization and a respected head coach. Having Rogers gives Tomlin the opportunity to end the playoff victory drought. If the two can build on an already established relationship, then the chances of them getting what they want from this season will only increase.
