Defensive end Stephon Tuitt announces retirement after 8 years with Steelers

Stephon Tuitt has decided to retire rather than return from a one-year absence and play the final season of his contract for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers announced Tuitt’s decision Wednesday about two hours after the team conducted its second voluntary workout of the week at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Tuitt had not attended any of the first five organized team activities,but he would have been required to attend mandatory minicamp next week.

“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 team. “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 historic team. Go Steelers.”

Tuitt’s brother was killed in a hit-and-run accident last June in Georgia. Tuitt engaged in only light conditioning exercises in training camp before undergoing minor knee surgery. He spent the entire season on injured reserve.

While away from football, Tuitt worked toward completing his degree from Notre Dame. On May 15, he was part of a graduating class that included Steelers Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis. Tuitt majored in psychology and got his bachelor of arts degree.

“His success both on and off the field speaks volumes for who he is as a person and a player,” new general manager Omar Khan said in a statement. “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.”

Tuitt was entering the final year of a five-year, $60 million contract. His contract was scheduled to count almost $14 million against the salary cap and included $9.05 million in base salary.

Last week, veteran defensive captain Cameron Heyward, who has been in regular contact with his teammate, said Tuitt expected to rejoin the Steelers “sooner or later.”

On Wednesday, Heyward posted a photo to his verified Instagram account. In it, he and Tuitt were kneeling on the grass in full uniform.

“My brother made a decision that was best for him!” Heyward wrote. “You have made me a better player and always enjoyed playing beside you. As a teammate I was selfish in wanting you back but God has bigger goals for you! You are a father, husband, friend, son, brother and you will continue to keep shining!”

A second-round draft pick in 2014, Tuitt spent seven seasons playing for the Steelers until his extended absence in 2021.

Tuitt arguably had his most productive season in 2020 when he had a career-high 11 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hits. For his career, he totaled 34.5 sacks, 48 tackles for loss and 94 quarterback hits.

The Steelers have several candidates on the roster that can help replace Tuitt. Chris Wormley started 14 games on the defensive line last season in place of Tuitt and had a career-high seven sacks. The Steelers also used draft picks the past two years on defensive ends, taking Isaiahh Loudermilk in the fifth round in 2021 and DeMarvin Leal in the third round this year.

Perhaps thinking Tuitt would return, the Steelers waited until the third round to address the defensive line this year. Nose tackle Tyson Alualu is 35 and played in only two games last year before sustaining a season-ending ankle injury. Heyward is 33.