Former Steelers Receiver Ray-Ray McCloud Credits Mike Tomlin's Greatness For Saving His Career

Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will matchup against a familiar face in wide receiver, Ray-Ray McCloud. McCloud was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Right off the bat, the receiver struggled to find a consistent and meaningful role on an NFL team. After being waived by both the Bills and the Carolina Panthers, McCloud was picked up by the Steelers. The short and speedy receiver out of Clemson University had impressed enough to become the primary return man for the Steelers in 2020 and 2021. Despite a career high season in 2021, the Steelers opted to let the wideout walk.

The San Francisco 49ers signed McCloud on a two-year, $10.4 million deal. During his first season in San Francisco, McCloud's production remained similar to his tenure in Pittsburgh. He was able to pick up where he left off and earn his role as the first-string returner for the 49ers, with 356 yards on punt returns and 599 yards on kick returns.

Prior to finding success in the NFL, McCloud's confidence was at an all-time low. He had been bouncing from team to team. One key component in turning his career around was gaining comfortability with his coaches. Until this point in his career, McCloud hadn't felt understood by any of his coaches. Things were different in Pittsburgh, however. The receiver was quick to build a strong relationship with the beloved head coach of the Steelers, Mike Tomlin. Friday, McCloud joined the Getcha Popcorn Ready podcast with Terrell Owens and Matthew Hatchette. Among other things, the receiver spoke on his appreciation for Tomlin and how they became so close.

"He sat next to me, and I was tying my shoe. He wrapped his arm around me and said, 'Ray-Ray McCloud.' We had met a few times at the [NFL] Combine. He started naming places in Tampa, he had coached there." McCloud went on to say, "He was just having a real conversation with me."

Tomlin has rightfully earned a strong reputation among players in the NFL. Not only is he a well-respected coach with a history of success, but he has the ability to become a mentor and a friend to the men that he coaches. His approach to coaching isn't 'one size fits all.' He builds real, genuine connections with his players. McCloud further detailed how Tomlin wasn't just a football coach to him, but he coached him in life as well. 

"[We would] sit down and have real man-to-man conversations. It was about life. I was just about to have a baby. [He taught me] about being a dad, all that type of stuff. It just taught me how to be a professional. I carried it over to the 49ers now. It's every day, you gotta do something to be better as a person."

Hatchette chimed in about the importance of team camaraderie and good coaches. Without both pieces, winning becomes a lot more challenging. It's evident that McCloud is grateful for the way that Tomlin changed his life. Luckily, he is once again blessed with a talented head coach in Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan is known for being an offensive wizard, and he has built a strong system in San Francisco. 

This past year, the 49ers quarterback room caught the injury bug. With Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo both injured, the franchise depended on "Mr. Irrelevant," Brock Purdy. Despite the odds, Purdy thrived in Shanahan's offense and was able to take the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. Had Purdy not suffered from an injury, the 49ers would have had a real shot at the Super Bowl. 

What's The Outlook For The Steelers Week 1?

The Steelers face the 49ers at home for their regular season opener on September 10th. Right off the bat, the Niners are favorites. While it's looking like Purdy may be able to return from injury in time for Week 1, his timeline is still uncertain. Here at SteelerNation, we can't wait for the first home opener in years. Despite his departure, we'll still be rooting McCloud on. 

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