Retired NFL wide receiver Adam Thielen is pushing back against widespread media reports describing Mike Tomlin’s exit from the Pittsburgh Steelers as tear-filled and emotional, calling into question the accuracy of the stories circulating about the now-former coach’s final moments with the team.

Tomlin, who recently stepped down after a 19-year tenure as head coach of the Steelers, was widely reported to have shared a poignant goodbye with his players as he announced his decision. Early accounts claimed that the meeting was marked by visible emotion among Tomlin and members of the roster.

But speaking on the popular podcast Pardon My Take, Thielen said he is skeptical that the most dramatic versions of the story are accurate. “I don’t know if that’s actually been leaked or if people made that up,” Thielen said, suggesting that some of the reported details—such as players crying or embracing emotionally—may have been exaggerated or fabricated for headlines.

Thielen, who retired after 13 NFL seasons and played briefly with Pittsburgh late in the most recent campaign, did not deny that Tomlin’s departure was meaningful. However, he emphasized that firsthand knowledge of the locker-room reaction may differ from what has been published. “I think it’s kind of interesting… So, I’m not sure if that was actually a real report,” he said.

The controversy underscores the challenges in separating verified accounts from speculation as the narrative around Tomlin’s departure continues to unfold. Neither Tomlin nor the Steelers organization has publicly addressed the specifics of the reported farewell.