The resignation of head coach Mike Tomlin has hit the Pittsburgh Steelers players hard. The two top stars in particular are in shock.

Last Tuesday, Mike Tomlin announced his resignation as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shortly before announcing his decision, the head coach held a final meeting with his players to inform them of his departure. The reaction of his protégés was a mixture of shock and sadness, especially for the two biggest stars on the team: quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker T.J. Watt.

According to its own reports, “The Athletic” spoke with half a dozen players and staff members after Tomlin’s final speech. One player explained that Watt in particular was “visibly upset and kept saying ‘No. No. No.’ while tears welled up in his eyes.”

After the long-time coach’s final speech, there was a standing ovation. After Tomlin took off his cap and headed for the door, a long line of players formed to talk to Tomlin one last time and hug him.

Rodgers sad after Tomlin’s departure

According to the report, playmaker Rodgers also made his way through the line. The 42-year-old signed with the Steelers last June, hoping to help end their eight-year playoff drought. When asked, the four-time NFL MVP had already stated that Tomlin was the reason he signed with the Steelers. The relationship between the two grew increasingly close over the course of the season.

However, the hoped-for postseason victory did not materialize last weekend, as the Steelers lost to the Houston Texans. After the defeat, Rodgers used what may have been his last public appearance as a Steelers pro to passionately defend Tomlin against critics.

According to those present, Rodgers was in tears at the final team meeting and could only manage to say the words “I’m sorry.”

Players shocked by resignation

Even a day after Tomlin’s resignation announcement, countless players were still in shock. One said in an interview with The Athletic that he had a feeling the meeting would turn out differently. “When he said, ‘Some of us will stay here, others won’t,’ I thought, ‘Is this man really resigning?’” In addition to shock and sadness, the players are also struggling with the feeling that they failed Tomlin. “Everyone feels that way,” one player is quoted as saying. “He’s the only (coach) the guys gave their all for. Do you think we didn’t want to take that burden off his shoulders, for which the whole city criticized him? Yes, we all wanted that. That’s why it’s so bad.”