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Youth Football Campers Inspire, Energize Tomlin

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was the final day of Steelers' minicamp on the South Side.

The next time we see the team on the field will be in late July in Latrobe at training camp.

Before they pack up though, KDKA's Jory Rand caught up with head coach Mike Tomlin at his youth football camp.

Thursday was a busy day for the Steelers' head coach. After closing out minicamp, Tomlin came to Brashear High School to help out hundreds of kids at the Mike Tomlin Youth Football Camp.

"I'm always looking forward to it, but when I actually get out here, it's even more fun than I anticipated," Tomlin said. "These young people energize me. Their love and enthusiasm in regards to the game of football is inspiring."

And the inspiration runs throughout the coach's family as Tomlin's 11- and 12-year-old sons took part in camp as well.

"It's fun. My knucklehead boys like to show me that they know what they're doing. It's great to see my kids interact with others and treat them all the same; watch them compete, win and lose, that's what football's all about," Tomlin said. "That's what life's about and when you can mix business and personal positively, it's a great experience."

KDKA's Jory Rand: "The parents and the kids out here, do they give you advice on the team?"

Tomlin: "Whenever I'm in western Pa. or worldwide for that matter, I get advice on how to do that job and how to be the best we can be. I appreciate the enthusiasm and the interest that Steelers Nation provides us."

And after an 8-and-8 season a year ago, there's much inspiration to go around, but Tomlin and the Steelers are simply looking to the new season ahead.

"Last year is last year. Our job is to look forward," Tomlin said.

This is a big week for youth football camps; Ben Roethlisberger's camp begins on Monday.

RELATED LINKS:
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More Reports by Jory Rand

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