Mike Tomlin champions Steelers legend’s HOF case in NBC debut

August 7, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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Mike Tomlin was back on the field on Thursday, not as a coach, but as an analyst for NBC. He made his television debut for the Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Tomlin transitioned to broadcasting after resigning from the Pittsburgh Steelers in January following their exit in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Tomlin will be forever loyal to Pittsburgh, which he led to the championship in 2009. According to him, one of the stars of that Super Bowl-winning squad should be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

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“My golden ticket, unquestionably, goes to Hines Ward. He’s got Hall of Fame numbers. He’s got 1,000 career catches, 12,000 yards, 85 touchdowns, and a Super Bowl MVP,” said the 54-year-old Tomlin.

“But beyond the statistics, it was his style of play. This guy was a predator, not prey. Every defensive player in the National Football League feared Hines Ward. When you played against Hines Ward, you hated him. No DB (defensive back) liked Hines Ward. He would try to take your head off.”

Aside from the numbers he mentioned, Ward was a two-time champion, a three-time All-Pro, and a four-time Pro Bowler. He was named to the Steelers All-Time Team and the Steelers Hall of Honor.

Ward has been nominated for the Hall of Fame for 10 straight years, but he has yet to get the nod. It has been long overdue, and Tomlin made sure to use his platform to bat for the inclusion of his former player.

Tomlin, for his part, also has a strong case to be inducted into the prestigious club in the near future, having won a Vince Lombardi Trophy and recording a 19-year streak of winning seasons.

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