Former Central Catholic, Penn State OL Stefen Wisniewski retires from NFL

Former Central Catholic and Penn State standout offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski is calling it a career.

The 32-year-old from Pittsburgh announced his retirement from the NFL in a video and statement posted to social media Thursday.

“After 10 seasons in the NFL, I’m retiring,” Wisniewski said in the video. “(I) absolutely loved playing the game of football, but after 10 years, my body, my mind and my heart are telling me it’s time to move on.

“What am I going to do next? I’m going to be a pastor. The absolute best part of my life is my relationship with Jesus Christ, and I can’t imagine a better full-time job than teaching people the Bible and sharing the love of Christ with others.

“I’ve had so many great memories of playing in the NFL and I’m so grateful for all of them. I’m grateful for all of the people who helped me get here. This video would be way too long if I listed them all. … Just know that if you’re one of the people who helped me along my NFL career, I’m genuinely grateful, and I want to say thank you.”

I have an announcement to make : pic.twitter.com/0ZHD3Kvp9b

— Stefen Wisniewski (@stefenwiz61) August 26, 2021

Wisniewski played for five teams in his 10-year NFL career, which began when the Oakland Raiders selected with the No. 48 overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Wisniewski appeared in 139 games and made 106 starts as an interior offensive lineman in his career.

The high points of Wisniewski’s career came when he started for the Philadelphia Eagles at left guard in their win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII and two seasons later when he started for the Kansas City Chiefs in their win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

Wisniewski also started for the Chiefs in their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV.

Wisniewski also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers in his career.

In his Penn State career, Wisniewski was a stalwart on the offensive line. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, and he earned All-American honors at the end of the 2010 season.