PITTSBURGH STEELERS HEAD COACH MIKE TOMLIN - Ingles

Super Bowl XLV News Conference

Dallas, Texas – February 4, 2011

(Opening statement) “Good morning. Friday morning is preparation day for us. We’re putting the finishing touches, of course, on our plan here in a couple hours. [We’re] working on situational football, third down, red zone, short yardage, goal line and others. It’s been a good week, but of course, like the Green Bay Packers I’m sure, we’re all getting a little antsy and getting ready to play. At this point, I’d be happy to answer any questions.”

(on whether the quick turf at Cowboys Stadium favors one team or another) “No, I don’t. I think both teams have guys who are capable of running, of course, and capable of taking the top off of coverages and so forth. They have secondary men who can run. It is going to be a factor in the game but probably not a significant one.”

(on the next 48 hours logistically and emotionally) “It’s going to be a normal business day for us. This morning into this afternoon is a normal Friday schedule for us. The team doesn’t have media responsibilities, so it is going to be normal. After that, I’m sure people are going to spend the majority of the evening dealing with family members that have arrived or are arriving in town, getting them squared away, having family celebrations, if you will, or dinner or so forth. We don’t have anything scheduled into the evening or night tonight. Tomorrow we’ll have a dress rehearsal in the morning over there at TCU, going through a final mock game, if you will. We’ll invite some special people for the players that probably helped them get there and have been influential in their careers and we’ll take a big group picture at the end of that and have some free time. We’ll probably go to an undisclosed location at about seven o’clock tomorrow and start our night before the game normal meeting process. In the midst of all of that you asked about the feelings and emotions. It probably depends on who you ask. I would imagine that Hines [Ward’s] perspective on all of this is probably a little different than Antonio Brown’s. I’ll keep an eye on all of the guys and try to provide them what it is they need so they can stay on an emotional even keel and be prepared to play.”

(on his feelings) “I’m a robot. I’m just going to ride the wave.”

(on if Maurkice Pouncey is practicing today) “I’ll let you know when we practice. We practice at about 11, so we’re a couple hours short. I’m sure he’s over there working, trying to prepare himself. When I get over there, that’s going to be one of the many things I check up on and see if he’ll have an opportunity to participate today in some form or fashion.”

(on if Pouncey has to practice today to play on Sunday) “Yes.”

(on what it means to him to hold the Vince Lombardi Trophy) “It’s the pinnacle. Thirty-two teams start this journey with the same intentions. So of course, you’re overcome with emotions. Great feelings of satisfaction, but also humility because you realize that there are probably a lot of people that are deserving, to be quite honest with you. It’s hard to put into words.”

(on if the weather has inhibited the team at all this week) “No, it really hasn’t. We’re kind of used to inclement weather. At least from my perspective, it hasn’t changed how we’ve worked at all. We’ve been inside for several weeks now back in Pittsburgh, so it’s no big deal there. I’ll tell you one thing, the people at TCU have been more than accommodating. We really appreciate your hospitality.”

(on what it’s like to have a chance to be among the coaches who have won two Super Bowls) “It’s awesome, it really is. It’s humbling, it’s inspiring, it motivates you. It’s all those things. I think fortunately for us, we have what you can’t buy, which is legacy, which is unbelievable standard and expectation and all those great things.”

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