Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt retired from the NFL on Wednesday.
Tuitt, 29, last played in a regular-season game with the Steelers during the 2020 season. He recorded a career-high 11 sacks to go along with 45 tackles in 15 games.
Tuitt’s life changed in June 2021 after his brother Richard Bartlett III was killed following being struck by a vehicle in a suburb of Atlanta. Tuitt then sustained a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve prior to the 2021 season.
“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,” Tuitt said in a statement released by the Steelers. “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 (Mike) Tomlin, and the entire Pittsburgh organization. It was an honor and a privilege to play for this historic team. Go Steelers.”
Statement from Stephon Tuitt: pic.twitter.com/46iOoOZZZW
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 1, 2022
Tuitt recorded 246 tackles, 34.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 91 career games (79 starts) with the Steelers. He was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
“I want to thank Stephon for all he did for the Steelers during his eight-year career in Pittsburgh,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said in a statement. “His success both on and off the field speaks volumes for who he is as a person and a player. Stephon has always handled himself with class and maturity as he continues to be a great husband, father, son and family man in his personal life. Now that he has informed us he is retiring from football, we are all thrilled to see what he becomes as a person and professional after graduating from Notre Dame this past month. We are excited for what lies ahead in his life and will continue to support him in any way we can.”
–Field Level Media