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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson backed Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ahead of the teams’ matchup this weekend after Tomlin appeared to defend cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s actions following last weekend’s spitting controversy.
Speaking to reporters before hosting Pittsburgh on Sunday, the first-year NFL head coach was complimentary of his counterpart’s success in the league. Johnson spoke at length about Tomlin before addressing his latest remarks about Ramsey’s ejection from the team’s Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin calls a timeout in the second quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. The Steelers led 10-6 at halftime. (IMAGIN)
“The fact that he hadn’t had a losing season. It’s unbelievable. It’s just unbelievable to think that he’s been a head coach as long as he has and just keeps getting wins,” Johnson began.
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“He sets the bar very high and nothing but respect for him. The way he goes about his business, he holds his players accountable – I think you saw that yourself this week with some of the quotes talking about a player being spat on. His reaction to that, I think he’s 100% right as far as I’m concerned.”
Johnson went on to say Tomlin “hit the nail on the head” when discussing the incident involving Ramsey grabbing Ja’Marr Chase’s facemask before punching him. Ramsey accused the star wide receiver of spitting on him, prompting his physical response.
Ramsey was ejected, but Chase was later suspended by the league following a review of the spitting allegations.
Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
STEELERS’ MIKE TOMLIN WEIGHS IN ON JALEN RAMSEY’S EXPORT AFTER JA’MARR CHASE SPIT INCIDENT
Tomlin spoke to reporters on Tuesday and weighed in on the incident.
“I was aware of it. I certainly spoke to Jalen in the game – it’s an unfortunate incident. It’s not an act common to the game of football, it has nothing to do with football,” Tomlin said. “And so I’m not going to comment on that. The NFL front office made their ruling on that and so we’ll move on.”
When later pressed about his messages to Ramsey, Tomlin didn’t offer much. But he made his position on Ramsey’s reaction to the spitting incident quite clear.
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson watches his team during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 10, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
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“I have no message if someone spits in your face. Do what comes naturally.”
The Steelers head to Chicago hoping Aaron Rodgers will be on the field, despite the quarterback suffering a broken wrist.
