According to a report, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey is expected to announce his retirement from the NFL.
The Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reports that Pouncey “has told teammates he is likely retiring.”
Dulac mentions that Pouncey could have a “change of heart”, but a decision is expected “soon.”
Pouncey is an 11-year veteran and has played in Pittsburgh his entire career.
Former teammate and fellow offensive lineman Ramon Foster says Pouncey’s decision is “fake news.”
He made the Super Bowl in his rookie year, but was unable to play due to an ankle injury.
Pouncey is a nine-time Pro Bowler and is a two-time All Pro.
The 31-year-old Florida native has played in 134 games for the Steelers.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has said in the past when Pouncey plays, he plays.
So with Pouncey possibly retiring, the question remains if Big Ben will also hang up his cleats soon.
While Pouncey hasn’t been playing at the same elite level in seasons past, he is still considered one of the best centers in the NFL.
Behind Pouncey is J.C. Hassenauer, a 25-year-old undrafted free agent out of Alabama.
If Pouncey does retire, it would save another $8 million in cap space.