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The Pittsburgh Steelers lost one of the most reliable players on Friday, no, not to injury, or worse, but to retirement.
It was made official Friday Maurkice Pouncey, along with twin brother Mike Pouncey, have decided to call it a career. After over a decade of being the man in the middle for the Steelers’ offensive line, Pouncey said enough is enough.
In his farewell letter he spoke about still having the love for the game, but the toll it takes on both the body and his family simply aren’t worth it anymore. One has to respect that from a player who has sacrificed everything for the organization who drafted him out of the University of Florida.
Pouncey leaves behind a gaping hole on the roster, and in the leadership department. Both of those won’t be filled overnight, but his legacy will long be remembered. After the news of Pouncey’s retirement made its way across the NFL landscape, Steelers teammates, coaches and other NFL players took to social media to wish him well in his future endeavors.
Take a look at some of the tweets below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.
(Editor’s Note: This story will be updated as more players take to social media to talk about Pouncey hanging up the cleats once and for all.)
I don't have the words...I love you and thank you. -- Ben. pic.twitter.com/QcUl132mMd
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) February 12, 2021
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) February 12, 2021
Real One right here! Thanks Pounce! https://t.co/NxgwvAO4T2
— Eddie Faulkner (@coachfaulk) February 12, 2021
They came into the world together, and now leave the NFL together...
— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) February 12, 2021
Congrats to the Pouncey Twins on retiring!
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
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
My dog....from the moment you stepped on the field as a rookie, you exuded greatness! You are going out as one of the greatest to have ever done it and for damn sure one of best to don the black & yellow! Enjoy the fruits of your labor @MaurkicePouncey!#SteelerNation pic.twitter.com/9LaHRto8WV
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) February 12, 2021
Congrats to the Pouncey’s on outstanding careers!!! #TwinLife https://t.co/BAoAkoJjp5
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) February 12, 2021