Steelers

The standard is the standard: Here are the Top 19 ‘Tomlinisms’


Many of Mike Tomlin’s short, memorable phrases became known as ‘Tomlinisms’
Triblive
By Triblive
2 Min Read Jan. 14, 2026 | 2 weeks Ago
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Nineteen years as Steelers head coach. So many more “Tomlinisms.”

Mike Tomlin was known for his wit during news conferences after Steelers games. Many of his short, memorable phrases became known as “Tomlinisms.”

Obviously, “the standard is the standard” set the bar high for “things of that nature.”

Let’s take a look back and compile a list of 19 — one for each year Tomlin coached the Pittsburgh Steelers:

  • The standard is the standard
  • We do not live in our fears
  • I want volunteers, not hostages
  • There’s a fine line between drinking wine and stomping grapes
  • We’re still squirreling those nuts
  • They don’t blink, they cut their eyelids off
  • We don’t care about the nameless gray faces we’re playing
  • I’m not into moral victories. I’m into victories
  • If my aunt had male parts, she’d be my uncle
  • If you got red paint, you paint the barn red
  • I can’t give you all the ingredients to the hot dog. You might not like it.
  • It’s been popcorn
  • Never say never, but never
  • That’s why I’m well-compensated
  • I’d much rather say whoa than sic ‘em
  • That was JV football
  • Style points don’t matter
  • Don’t seek comfort
  • We’re not going to apologize for winning

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