Steelers Hero Alejandro Villanueva's Honest Account Of Why He Absolutely Gets Furious At Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin saw something in young war hero, Alejandro Villanueva in 2014. This was after Villanueva had been trying to get into the NFL for several seasons without much luck.

After playing football for the Army Black Knights, Villanueva was invited in 2010 to try out for the Cincinnati Bengals as a tight end. He did not make the team and ended up staying in military service. Then a couple years later, he was again given a shot to try out for the Chicago Bears and again, was shot down. 

He did a third tour in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger and decided he would give the NFL one more chance. Villanueva was really hoping to get an MBA and needed one year of an NFL salary to pay for it. While attending an NFL scouting event, he was approached by a scout from the Philadelphia Eagles who got him signed as a defensive end. 

He made it through minicamps and OTAs to training camp. He was the first Eagles player cut that season, but his NFL journey would not end there. Right before he was cut, the Steelers played the Eagles in a preseason game. Tomlin was impressed by his athleticism and size. Once he found out that Villanueva had been cut, he called him and asked him to come to Pittsburgh.  

While in Pittsburgh, Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak recognized that Villanueva had been playing in the wrong position. After running him through some flexibility and combine-type drills, he moved him to play offensive line/tight end. 

Villanueva started out on the practice squad going up against Steelers legend, linebacker James Harrison. Harrison offered him tips and taught him the secrets to blocking. After a while, Villanueva felt that if he could block Harrison, he could block just about anyone. 

In 2015, Villanueva got his shot to start after injuries to Kelvin Beachum and Mike Adams left the offensive line decimated. He finished out the rest of that season and went into 2016 as the starter. During his time in Pittsburgh, Villanueva was selected to the Pro Bowl twice and was a major contributor to one of the best offensive lines ever fielding in the Steel City. He stayed with Pittsburgh until 2020 when he was finally replaced by a younger player. 

Villanueva speaks highly of his teammates and coaches in Pittsburgh, as well as of the city and the fans. He is open about how grateful he is for the opportunity he was given. However, now he is also opening up about how frustrated he is with Coach Tomlin. 

Steelers' Alejandro Villanueva Shares Why He Is Angry With Head Coach Mike Tomlin

Tomlin has been the Steelers' Head Coach since 2007 when he was hired away from his defensive coordinator job with the Minnesota Vikings. Under Tomlin, the Steelers have won one Super Bowl and played in two. While many fans feel that Tomlin does not get the national respect and recognition he deserves, he was recently named the third-best NFL coach by PFF.

Often described as a "players coach," Steelers players past and present defend him at all costs. Everyone who knows him says that he is an ambassador for the game of football. That what you see is what you get, he is always the same person - consistent, honest, and compassionate. Players credit him for being the backbone of the Steelers team and helping to make the organization a true "family."

That is why it was so surprising to hear Villanueva say that he is actually angry with Tomlin. The topic came up while Villanueva was a guest on Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce's podcast New Heights. It is common for interviewers to ask players about Tomlin, always wanting to know about the connection. Both Travis and Jason spoke about how highly they think of Tomlin and how much respect they have for him. 

"Mike Tomlin is one of a kind," said Villanueva. I think sometimes I get a little p***ed off when I see him because I know he can have a much bigger role in society than being a head coach."

The topic of Tomlin doing something bigger and better has come up before. Most people would agree, even Tomlin's critics, that Tomlin is a man of few words, much to the chagrin of the press. But when he speaks, people listen. Just like in 2020 when he led the Steelers in speaking out against social injustices. 

"We felt like a statement was needed. I was chosen to represent the thoughts and feelings of the men, and I did so humbly. Tonight, more than anything, we wanted to take the small platform we have, small as it is, and show that we stand united with those that are suffering." 

Moments like this, seeing the way he leads the players, are the reasons why Villanueva believes he can do more than he is. He truly embodies the idea of using his powers for good and not evil. 

"He's got incredible leadership skills, incredible charisma," said Villanueva. "100% he is selling himself short. I think he sees people for where they are from. He appreciates and he values when coaches have been to college because not only have they been able to coach a player when they have no one else. Coach Tomlin is somebody who believes in coaching and he believes in being a part of your success story. For me, obviously, you know I can attest to that."

He shares with Jason and Travis that he always admired and found fascinating the way that Tomlin takes an interest in where people are geographically from and how that will help shape that success. The example he gave is looking at someone who came from the South and played in the SEC can be expected to find a certain kind of success. 

"I had an incredible relationship with him, he helped me out tremendously. He wants to be a part of your dream and the vision you have for yourself. So for me, it was an amazing time to be able to spend with somebody as remarkable and as fascinating as Coach Tomlin." 

It is not hard to understand why Tomlin draws this kind of loyalty from his players. They trust him, they know he has got their backs and they know that he wants to see them succeed. The only question is if we can lure him onto a bigger stage. 

"Coach Tomlin, we are going to need you to run for President," quips Travis. 

What do you think about Tomlin's coaching persona? Do you think it helps him find success? Click to comment below. 

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