SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin surprised the Slippery Rock University football team when he joined The Rock's team meeting Friday via video conference and delivered an address to the team.
 
Tomlin connected with Slippery Rock head coach Shawn Lutz earlier this week and the pair of coaches arranged Friday's meeting.
 
"I have known coach Tomlin for a long time and he has always been supportive of our program," said Lutz. "He certainly didn't need to take time out of his schedule to join us today but we're so appreciative that he thought highly enough of our program to want to say a few words to our team. We want to thank him and the Steelers for making that happen today."
 
Tomlin addressed the team for about 20 minutes as Slippery Rock prepares to host Kutztown University Saturday in the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals. His positive message focused on bouncing back from adversity and eliminating self-doubt.
 
"You are prepared and you are with the right group," said Tomlin as he closed his talk. "I love [SRU's team theme] relentless. I message with coach Lutz about it all the time. I am unrelenting. I can relate to that. You are in the right place at the right moment. You are ready, individually and collectively. It's an honor to be with you guys today. I am with you one thousand percent."
 
Despite being one of the most recognized names in professional sports, Tomlin called out a number of the SRU players by name and talked about watching them play in high school in the Pittsburgh area. He also mentioned SRU all-region safety Eddie Faulkner IV, who is the son of current Steelers offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner.
 
"Coach Faulkner has been awesome to our program," said Lutz. "He follows all of our games, is always posting about our team success and is always willing to provide advice and guidance to our players and our staff. We're grateful to have such a strong organization like the Steelers in our backyard."
 
Slippery Rock will play for a second regional title in the last four seasons and a return to the national semifinals Saturday at noon against Kutztown. Ticket, parking, tailgating, live coverage information and complete game notes can be found HERE.
 
 
 

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