Steelers' Maurkice Pouncey Announces Retirement From The NFL
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey has announced his retirement from the National Football League.
Former Steelers lineman Ramon Foster announced the news on social media.
It's my honor that my brothers from another asked me to announce the next stage in their life. After over a decade @MaurkicePouncey and Mike Pouncey are RETIRING from the @nfl ????. Below are their memos to thank those involved in their careers. #Steeler #chargers #Miami #NFL pic.twitter.com/v9IALOrZaX
— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) February 12, 2021
In Pouncey's statement provided by Foster, he says "I'll always love the game of football & will always be the ultimate competitor in life."
He mentioned his fellow Steelers linemen Ramon Foster, Alejandro Villanueva, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert, Chris Hubbard, Kelvin Beachum, and Matt Feiler, saying "love every last one of you!!"
Pouncey then spoke about Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger saying "Big Ben, my brother, we ride together, we die together, bad boys for life! ????"
Pouncey was drafted by the Steelers in the 1st round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
He played 134 games for the Steelers across 11 seasons, making the Pro Bowl nine times.
Upon the news breaking of Pouncey's retirement, Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt called him "a great player and an even better teammate!"
A great player and an even better teammate! Your commitment to the game is something I always admired! Congratulations on a hell of a career! Enjoy retirement Pounce! @MaurkicePouncey https://t.co/sOUjSjZpIC
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) February 12, 2021
Head coach Mike Tomlin has also released a statement. It reads in part, "I want to congratulate Maurkice on his retirement. He has been a leader in our locker room for over a decade and I respect him so much for all he has accomplished during his career."
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) February 12, 2021
Roethlisberger released this tweet to Pouncey:
I don't have the words...I love you and thank you. -- Ben. pic.twitter.com/QcUl132mMd
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) February 12, 2021
Steelers President Art Rooney II released this statement:
"I want to thank Maurkice for his outstanding efforts both on and off the field over the past 11 years. He was an amazing teammate and leader that so many looked up to throughout his playing career.
"Congratulations on your retirement, Maurkice. I wish you and your family much success."
Statement from #Steelers President Art Rooney II on @MaurkicePouncey's retirement: pic.twitter.com/boeP9At0ds
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 12, 2021
Maurkice Pouncey's twin brother, Mike, announced his retirement also.