Current and former Steelers congratulate Vince Williams on his retirement

The Pittsburgh Steelers remember Vince Williams’ career after his sudden retirement.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt a surprise, and a blow to the roster, Wednesday when Vince Williams suddenly decided to retire from the NFL. After eight seasons, Williams is calling it a career, and this after a very strange offseason.

During this offseason Williams was released from the team, due to salary cap restraints, only to then sign back with the team for a one-year, veteran minimum contract. It just seemed odd to hear Williams, especially on the first day of training camp, chose then to say he was done playing the game.

Nonetheless, Williams has been a fan favorite since he was first inserted into the starting lineup after Larry Foote’s injury his rookie season. He embraced the fans, and the fans embraced him right back. Whether it was his Twitter beefs with opponents, his no-nonsense approach to the game or just his ability to send a message with a bone-jarring tackle.

Williams will be missed in the locker room as much as on the field, and now the Steelers will have to find a backup plan without No. 98 lining up next to Devin Bush. Will they stick to who they have now? Or will they try to bring in another linebacker to help fill the void?

Either way, both current, and former, Steelers teammates took to social media to congratulate Williams on a job well done, and to wish him well in his retirement. Check out some of the comments below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.

(Editor’s Note: As more players take to social media, this story will be updated.)