Earlier this week when Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning announced his retirement, Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams — who is never one to bite his tongue, especially on Twitter — tweeted the following statement about Manning.
Look Peyton is a hall of fame qb who couldn’t play dead in a western last year but career over all is astonishing but last year was 💩😷
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) March 7, 2016
Naturally, while some agreed with Williams, many felt his statement was in poor taste and chastised the 10-year NFL veteran. But Williams elected to double-down anyway.
He didn’t change the game he just did what qbs did better https://t.co/UIazMq8kTp
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) March 8, 2016
Not only were random Twitter users and Manning apologists alike miffed by Williams’ tweets, apparently so was his head coach — Mike Tomlin — who felt the need to return to the uber-popular social media platform after a five-month absence.
Tomlin made it known that he wasn’t incredibly pleased with Williams.
DWill (@DeAngeloRB) quit while you are behind! #Really
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) March 8, 2016
Williams unsurprisingly took heed.
Gotcha coach https://t.co/WH1uhNvoZK
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) March 9, 2016
Williams is entitled to his own opinions, and I don’t think anyone can make a valid argument proving Manning played well throughout the regular season and in the playoffs. However, it was just one of those things that seems unnecessary coming from a current player.
Keep in mind the Broncos ended Pittsburgh’s season in their AFC Divisional matchup, so it’s fair to assume Williams had that in the back of his mind when he posted the now infamous tweet.