PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin categorizes his pregame small talks with Marvin Lewis as "minimal." Those who have been around Tomlin know he favors football results over back-slapping sentiment.
But even though he might not say it inside Heinz Field before the Steelers-Bengals kickoff Sunday, his admiration for Lewis -- and what he did 13 years ago -- speaks loudly.
Tomlin was asked this week a general question about shared experiences between foes with a combined 22 years of AFC North experience. Tomlin opened a broader perspective.
"As a younger African-American coach, to see him sail through the ranks is kind of a blueprint for those who have come after him," Tomlin said.