Mike Tomlin Blasts Two Rookies for Showing Up Late to First Day of Training Camp

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear from the very first whistle: punctuality is not optional—especially for rookies.

On the opening day of the Steelers’ 2025 training camp, two first-year players, linebacker Carson Bruener and cornerback Donte Kent, arrived 30 minutes late to team walkthroughs. While they may be new to the NFL, Tomlin wasted no time sending a very veteran message.

“If you’re a rookie and you’re late on Day One, you’ve already put yourself behind,” Tomlin said bluntly.
“This league won’t wait for you—and neither will we.”

Bruener, a hard-hitting linebacker out of Washington, was expected to turn heads this summer with his aggressive play style and special teams upside. Kent, a physical corner from Penn State, impressed coaches during OTAs and is battling for a depth role in the secondary. But showing up late—even once—can shake first impressions quickly in Tomlin’s system.

Sources within the team confirmed that both players quickly apologized and participated fully in the remainder of the session. No official discipline has been announced, but insiders say the moment was “handled directly” behind closed doors.

One veteran player commented, “In Pittsburgh, it doesn’t matter what round you were drafted in. Show up early, shut up, and go to work. That’s how you earn your helmet.”

As the Steelers gear up for a pivotal season with Aaron Rodgers at the helm and a playoff berth in their sights, there’s no margin for error—on or off the field. And for Bruener and Kent, the first lesson came quick: in the NFL, timing is everything.

Whether they bounce back from this early misstep may help define their rookie year. But one thing’s certain—Mike Tomlin won’t remind them twice.