Mike Tomlin will undoubtedly go down as one of the best head coaches in Pittsburgh Steelers’ history. Many fans would go as far to say that he has cemented his place one of the better coaches in NFL history.
However, one television host has made some rather alarming accusations against one of the best quarterbacks to ever suit up for the same franchise.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Mike Tomlin Sees Ben Roethlisberger Accused Of Racism
Jason McIntyre, co-host of Colin Cowherd’s popular FS1 radio show The Herd, is facing intense backlash and calls for his immediate firing after making an awkward and widely criticized comment during a Thursday segment about the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While discussing former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s recent criticism of head coach Mike Tomlin, McIntyre stunned the panel — including former Steelers offensive lineman and FOX Sports analyst Willie Colon — by asking:
“I don’t know if Big Ben started it, but I’ll ask. Willie, do you think there’s a racial element to this?”
Colon immediately shut down the suggestion, replying:
“No, that’s nonsense. I don’t even know what that component would be; you would have to help me. I wouldn’t know how to connect those dots.”
The exchange quickly went viral, with NFL fans and social media users slamming McIntyre for injecting race into a discussion that centered on coaching decisions, quarterback-coach dynamics, and Tomlin’s job security. Many called the question “out of line,” “unnecessary,” and “embarrassing.” Here is the video:
THIS IS REALLY WEIRD…
Fox Sports Jason McIntyre says that it could be RACISM as the reason why Ben Roethlisberger has been criticizing Mike Tomlin.
Willie Colon responded: “No. I don’t even know what that component would be, you would have to help me.”pic.twitter.com/QtnrG6lMdy
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 19, 2026
Fan Backlash Explodes Online
Within hours, #FireJasonMcIntyre began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of fans voicing frustration:
“Jason McIntyre is terrible and shouldn’t have a job. Fire him and keep [John] Middlekauff.”
“Jason McIntyre is foolish. Why Colin Cowherd keeps him on his show is beyond me.”
“It’s time for Colin Cowherd to give Jason an opportunity to go out on his own. Speed up his exit.”
Critics argue McIntyre has struggled to match Cowherd’s energy and insight since joining the show full-time, and Thursday’s moment has become the tipping point for many longtime listeners.
McIntyre’s Background & Role on The Herd
McIntyre founded The Big Lead in 2006 and joined FOX Sports Radio in 2015. He spent years as a contributor before becoming Cowherd’s regular co-host. While some credit him with bringing fresh sports takes, others feel he often misses the mark or tries too hard to stir controversy.
Colin Cowherd has not publicly addressed the backlash or defended McIntyre as of February 20, 2026. No personnel changes have been announced, but the viral outrage has put renewed pressure on FOX Sports Radio leadership.
NFL fans are now watching closely to see whether this moment becomes a catalyst for change on one of the most-listened-to sports radio shows in the country.
Do you think Jason McIntyre should be replaced on The Herd? Or is the backlash overblown? Share your take below!
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