Former Steelers wide receiver and punt returner Ryan Switzer has announced his retirement from the NFL.
Switzer played the 2018 and 2019 seasons in Pittsburgh where he quickly became one of retired quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s closest friends.
The 27-year-old released a statement on Twitter to announce his retirement and his intention to coach moving forward.
“Although my playing days are over, I’m looking forward to using the knowledge and experience I’ve accumulated to help the next generation of players through coaching,” Switzer said in a statement online. “I promise to bring the game relentless mindset that enabled me to live my dream of playing NFL football to this next chapter of my life!”
In his two seasons with the Steelers, Switzer played in 25 games, staring one.
He caught 44 passes for 280 yards with one receiving touchdown.
He had 38 punt returns for 281 yards and zero touchdowns.
As a kick returner, he had 39 for 773 yards, his longest a 35-yard run.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Switzer played college football at North Carolina and is a native of Charleston, West Virginia.
Switzer was traded to the then Oakland Raiders after the 2017 season but never played a game being traded to Pittsburgh in August 2018 for a 2019 fifth-round pick. The Steelers also received a sixth-round pick.
Switzer was waived by the Steelers in September 2020 and he signed a practice squad deal with the Browns in October 2020 but never played a game with Cleveland.
In March 2021, Switzer shared that his son Christian had serious issues with his GI tract. He had surgery and Switzer said he would make a full recovery.
Related
