However, it was his unusual way of referring to Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry that caught fans’ attention on Sunday. Mike Tomlin has begun a new chapter in his career after stepping away from coaching, joining NBC’s Sunday Night Football pregame team as an analyst.
However, Pittsburgh generally managed to contain Henry during those meetings. In seven games against the Steelers while representing the Titans and Ravens, Henry crossed the 100-yard rushing mark twice and recorded three touchdowns. Tomlin’s teams won six of those seven contests, giving him a 6-1 record against the running back.
The 32-year-old running back continues to build on his remarkable career, and his performance on Sunday once again highlighted his value to Baltimore. Henry finished the game with 102 rushing yards, helping the Ravens claim an overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons. In Baltimore’s first five games this season, Henry has rushed for 476 yards and scored seven touchdowns, putting together another productive start to the year. He has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in seven seasons and is working toward another such campaign.
Avoiding a player’s name can often be perceived as a lack of respect, but Tomlin’s repeated use of the nickname seemed to reflect his awareness of the threat Henry poses to opposing defenses. NBC host Maria Taylor stepped in to confirm that Tomlin was referring to Henry.
“He still will not say his name because he sends a shiver down his spine,” Taylor said.
