Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tomlin or Timeline?
Tomlin or Timeline? is a guessing game where you try to identify whether a quote came from Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin or from modern social media motivational culture.
How do I play?
Each round presents you with a single quote. You choose whether you think it's from Mike Tomlin (A) or from Timeline/social media (B). After you answer, you'll see if you were correct and get an explanation. The game consists of 10 questions per round.
What is Hard Mode?
Hard Mode removes instant feedback and hides your running score. You won't know if you got a question right or wrong until the end of the round. This makes the game more challenging!
Can I play multiple rounds?
Yes! After completing a round, you can click "Keep Going" to play another round with different quotes. The game tracks your cumulative score across all rounds. Once you've seen all available quotes, you can start fresh by clicking "Play Again."
Are the Mike Tomlin quotes real?
Yes! All quotes attributed to Mike Tomlin are based on widely reported public statements from press conferences, interviews, and other verified sources. We take accuracy seriously.
Where do the "Timeline" quotes come from?
The Timeline quotes are either original creations inspired by common motivational speaking patterns, or they're widely-used phrases from influencer and self-help culture. Some are also attributed to specific sources when relevant (like the Seth Rorabaugh quote).
How many quotes are in the game?
The game currently features 50 quotes total (25 from Mike Tomlin, 25 from Timeline culture). New quotes are added regularly to keep the game fresh and challenging.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts?
Yes! You can press A or B to select your answer, and Enter to move to the next question.
How do I share my score?
After completing a round, click the "Share Score" button. You'll see options to share on X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, or copy the text to share anywhere you like.
Does the site use cookies?
Yes. The site uses cookies for:
- Storing your best score locally on your device
- Analytics to understand site usage
- Advertising through Google AdSense
See our Privacy Policy for more details.
Is this site affiliated with the NFL or Pittsburgh Steelers?
No. This is an independent fan-created website for entertainment purposes. It is not affiliated with the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin, or any related organization.
Can I suggest quotes for the game?
Yes! We welcome suggestions. Please reach out via the contact information on this site.
Why is it sometimes hard to tell the difference?
That's the whole point! Mike Tomlin's press conference style is uniquely motivational and philosophical. At the same time, modern influencer culture has developed its own distinct language. The overlap between the two is surprisingly large, which makes the game both challenging and entertaining.