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Mike Tomlin pays tribute to Steelers' 'cleaning ambassadors'

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wore a red shirt to honor the organization's cleaning crew. Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- Mike Tomlin's signature look is classic and chic.

The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach is known for his monochromatic uniform, usually head-to-toe all black with a gray and yellow sweatshirt or t-shirt mixed in.

But Tomlin, 48, made a statement Friday by wearing a bright red polo with the words, "Cleaning ambassador" across the back, a pop of color rarely seen on the coach in his 13 seasons in Pittsburgh.

Tomlin had a pretty good reason for the addition. He was honoring the folks tasked with keeping the Steelers clean and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We just have some really quality service people around here that are working their tails off to keep us safe," Tomlin said after Friday's practice, "and I just wanted to show my appreciation for the work that they do by wearing their uniform and encouraging guys to pause and be thankful for the services provided and hopefully brighten their day if given an opportunity.

"We just need to be conscious of the contributions of everyone. It takes everyone within our organization to put together a successful day and thus a successful season. We just wanted that on the front of our consciousness today. Wearing that is a means of doing that."