Mike Tomlin Gets Visit From Santa During Weekly Press Conference, Insanity Ensues

Mike Tomlin's weekly press conference began like any other random, mundane press conference with an NFL coach: review of the most recent game, rundown of the injuries, look ahead to the next opponent, answer mundane questions about why team had result it had in previous game, how will team prepare for next game, etc. etc. etc.

Then, out of nowhere, as Tomlin was set to answer any and all questions from the local scribes, he received a visit from Santa Claus. And what a visit it was.

It began with Santa handing out gifts, ranging from five pounds of raw meat for nose tackle Casey Hampton, to a copy of Jim Wexell's book for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, to a $300 million cash bailout for Pittsburgh's embarrassing major league baseball franchise, otherwise known as the Pirates.

After he handed out said gifts, Santa Claus voiced his displeasure over Lendale White and his stomping of the Terrible Towel following Sunday's game. Santa pulled out a picture of the Titans running back, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it while singing a James Brown tune. If all of this wasn't enough for you -- and how could it be? -- the visit ended with Tomlin hauling in a pass from Santa, after Tomlin ran a crossing route in front of the Pittsburgh press corps.

I wish I was making all of that up. But, as you can see from the video at NFL.com ... I'm not. Frankly, I don't think my mind is warped enough to make that up.

Christmas Cheerleader Photos

A Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader looks on during the NFL game against the Washington Redskins at Paul Brown Stadium December 14, 2008 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 20-13.

Andy Lyons, Getty Images

Cheerleaders pose with Santa Claus as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium on December 14, 2008 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the 49ers 14-9.

Doug Benc, Getty Images

A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader wears a Christmas hat while doing a dance routine during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 23, 2007 at Monster Park in San Francisco, California. The Niners defeated the Bucs 21-19.

Paul Spinelli, Getty Images

A Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader performs during the NFL game against the Washington Redskins at Paul Brown Stadium December 14, 2008 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 20-13.

Andy Lyons, Getty Images

Cheerleaders for the Atlanta Falcons entertain the crowd during the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at the Georgia Dome on December 22, 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Lions 36-15.

Jamie Squire, Getty Images

The Chicago Luvabulls dance team perform during a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks at the United Center on December 5, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois. The Mavs won 102-94.

Gary Dineen, NBAE / Getty Images

Three members of the Portland Trail Blazers dance team perform during a break in the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Rose Garden on December 23, 2003 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 97-88.

Sam Forencich, NBAE / Getty Images

The Houston Rockets Power Dancers perform during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center on December 4, 2004 in Houston, Texas. The Rockets won 77-76.

Bill Baptist, NBAE / Getty Images

An Oakland Raiders cheerleader (one of the Raiderettes) performs during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Network Associates Coliseum on December 19, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Titans 40-35.

Paul Spinelli, Getty Images

The Indiana Pacemates perform during the Indiana Pacers game with the Los Angeles Clippers at the Conseco Fieldhouse on December 21, 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ron Hoskins, NBAE / Getty Imagaes