evidence: Mike Tomlin prepared for Steelers players taking a knee during national anthem If Pittsburgh Steelers players want to kneel during the national anthem this season as a protest against police brutality and social injustice, they have the blessing of coach Mike Tomlin. [...] No Steelers player took a knee during the national anthem in 2017 when President Donald Trump criticized such actions. The Steelers’ attempt to stay out of the spotlight before a Week 3 game in Chicago backfired, however, when left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, a former Army Ranger, was isolated from teammates outside the tunnel leading to Soldier Field.