Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt is retiring from the NFL.
Tuitt made the following announcement on Wednesday.
“With respect to the Steelers organization, my teammates, and coaches I would like to officially announce that I have come to the decision to retire from the NFL. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to represent the city of Pittsburgh for the past eight seasons, and am blessed to leave this game with my health. After the tragic loss of my brother Richard, and upon completing my degree from the University of Notre Dame. I know I am being called to move beyond the sport of football. I want to thank everyone for the love and support they have shown both on and off the field, and again want to thank the Rooney Family, Coach Tomlin and the entire Pittsburgh organization. It was an honor and a privilege to play for this history team. Go Steelers.
The news comes as a bit of a shock since Cam Heyward just talked last week, sounding optimistic that Tuitt would be coming back.
“He’ll be sooner or later you know, I’m not counting my sheep right now, my guys will be here, it’s really early, like I’ve never had full attendance at OTAs and I don’t expect it.” said Heyward.
Tuitt played seven seasons in the NFL, all with the Steelers.
He had a total of 34.5 sacks during that time, 11 of those during a breakout 2020 season.
During his career, Tuitt had a total 246 tackles, six forced fumbles and one interception.
Tuitt was taken in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Steelers out of Notre Dame.
Nearly a year ago, Tuitt’s brother was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Georgia, an accident that his mother saw happen.
The Steelers organization gave Tuitt as much time as he needed and while he was around for parts of Training Camp, a knee injury also kept him out of the lineup all of last season.