Stephon Tuitt, Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End, To Retire

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt on Wednesday said he plans to retire from football after eight seasons with the team. Tuitt made the announcement in a statement posted to the Steelers' website.

In the statement, Tuitt said he was called to "move beyond" the sport of football following the death of his brother, Richard, in a hit-and-run crash. Tuitt also recently earned a degree from the University of Notre Dame.

"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 said in the statement. "It was an honor and a privilege to play for this historic team."

Tuitt, a former player for Notre Dame, was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played in 91 regular-season games and started in 79 of those games.

He finished his career with 246 tackles, 34.5 sacks, 13 passes defended, six forced fumbles and an interception, according to the Steelers' website.

Tuitt's future with the Steelers was uncertain following the death of his brother in June 2021. Following his death, Tuitt took time away from football to grieve, according to ESPN. He also had knee surgery early in the 2021 season.

Tuitt had one year left on his contract, ESPN reported.