Photo: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tomlin, the veteran Head Coach of NFL powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers is doing things very differently nowadays than any other time.  In light of the Coronavirus pandemic that has affected many major sports leagues in the US and around the world, the AFC’s fearless franchise, and one of the NFL’s most admired clubs has also to put its training season on hold amid safety concerns and social distancing.

This time a year following the draft, where offseason training is already happening and the rookie induction is about to begin, the Pittsburgh Steelers are adjusting like many other elite sports teams to a new reality.  Probably the best example is this weekend’s Steelers rookie minicamp, where what’s being done hasn’t really changed, but it’s more of how things are done that is different.

Although there is nothing happening at the empty UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, which is where the Steelers would have gathered to welcome their rookies, major sports are conducting business remotely, like every other business around the world nowadays.  So the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed their draft picks and undrafted rookies remotely using video conferencing.

“We are excited about introducing ourselves and introducing the organization to these men this weekend,” said Tomlin.  “We wasted very little time laminating about what we aren’t capable of doing in terms of not being able to work in the same space,” Tomlin said about the distancing restrictions, but added “we’ve really focused our energies on maximizing the platforms we have, and using this opportunity to not only instruct these guys and get to know them, but also introduce some of our football support staff and laying the foundation for a lot of professional relationships.”

Tomlin has no doubts about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2020 schedule that just came out, and he’s actually excited about what the 2020 season will bring.  But he feels strongly about the fact that the NFL should keep an even playing field when it comes to allowing teams to open training facilities.  This comes in light of several governors beginning to gradually re-open parts of their states’ facilities, including training facilities of NFL teams within their jurisdictions.

“I’d imagine that it’s coming,” Tomlin said when asked about facilities being opened and coaching staff allowed again to work in person with players.  “There are a couple of things we’re committed to adhering to, and that’s a global approach of the National Football League in regards to football ops and how important competitive fairness is in our game.” He said to the press.

There are many eyes turned to the Pittsburgh Steelers, given it is one of the world’s most popular and decorated NFL teams.  But there is also a very close following from its home state of Pennsylvania that has recently regulated sports betting and online casino apps in websites.

So now that it’s legal for Pennsylvanians at of the right age to place bets on their favorite sports teams.  And they can do it safely and securely from anywhere they are in the Keystone State using their mobile device or computer.

So why don’t you check out the one place that provides all the information, reviews and everything else you need to know about sports betting and casino apps in Pennsylvania.  And as far as our bets go, the first Pittsburgh Steelers game in the preseason is facing Dallas Cowboys on the road.  That’s an easy one for Pittsburgh to dominate.  But the real fun will be hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field on Week 1.  It’s time to teach their new QB Tom Brady a lesson, so our money is of course on the Black & Gold.