At a Glance
- JJ Watt publicly criticized Steelers players for leaking private locker-room details after Mike Tomlin’s resignation announcement
- The Athletic quoted players describing Aaron Rodgers sobbing and apologizing to Tomlin: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
- Watt reposted the report with the comment: “Feels like this moment could have stayed in the meeting room”
- Why it matters: The breach exposes raw emotions and raises questions about trust within one of the NFL’s most storied franchises
JJ Watt has publicly rebuked Pittsburgh Steelers personnel for sharing sensitive locker-room moments following head coach Mike Tomlin’s emotional resignation announcement on Jan. 13.
The former NFL defensive end, whose younger brother TJ Watt starts at linebacker for Pittsburgh, reshared excerpts from a Jan. 15 Athletic story that quoted nearly a dozen people who were present when Tomlin informed the team he was stepping down after 19 seasons.
The Leak
Watt posted on X:
> “Feels like this moment could have stayed in the meeting room”
The Athletic piece detailed how players and staff reacted inside the team facility, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers breaking down and repeatedly apologizing to Tomlin.
Inside the Room
According to the report, the atmosphere “was like a funeral” once Tomlin delivered the news. Players formed a line to say personal good-byes, revealing the depth of their attachment to the long-time coach.
Key moments described:
- Rodgers, through tears, told Tomlin: “I’m sorry” three times
- TJ Watt kept saying “no” in disbelief
- Joey Porter Jr. nearly hyperventilated, carrying on a family legacy with the franchise
Rodgers, playing under a one-year contract, had cited Tomlin as a major reason for joining the Steelers. The 42-year-old quarterback has spoken frequently of his respect for Tomlin dating back to Green Bay’s Super Bowl XLV victory over Pittsburgh in 2011.
Rodgers on Record
Last June, Rodgers told reporters:
> “I don’t need it for my ego… Decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling.”
Following Pittsburgh’s 30-6 Wild Card loss to Houston on Jan. 12, Rodgers cut short what might have been his final press conference when pressed about his relationship with Tomlin.
> “I’ve talked extensively about how I feel about Mike,” he said before walking out. “And I just did in that f—in’ answer. Thanks.”
Fallout
Watt’s criticism underscores tension between public curiosity and locker-room privacy. By amplifying the story, he both condemned the leaks and ensured wider attention to the very details he argued should have remained confidential.
The Steelers now face an off-season of transition: a new head coach search, Rodgers’ potential retirement, and lingering questions about who inside the building provided the vivid account of one of the franchise’s most emotional days.
Key Takeaways
- JJ Watt used social media to call out teammates for sharing private moments
- The Athletic’s story centered on Aaron Rodgers’ emotional apology to Mike Tomlin
- The leak has sparked debate about confidentiality in NFL locker rooms
