Steelers' Tuitt retires after 8 seasons

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt announced his retirement Wednesday after eight years in the NFL.

"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. "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."

Tuitt cited the death of his brother and the completion of his degree as factors for his decision.

"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," he added.

"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 historic team. Go Steelers."

The 29-year-old spent the entire last season on injured reserve due to a knee injury.

The Steelers selected Tuitt in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and he became an instrumental part of the team's front seven while teaming with defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.

Tuitt started 79 games for the Steelers, recording 34.5 sacks and 48 tackles for a loss. He notched a career-high 11 sacks and 25 quarterback hits during the 2020 campaign, his last active season in the league.