Steelers’ Worilds announces retirement
The Steelers have been expecting a retirement announcement from one of their players for the past few days.
They didn’t get the one they expected late Tuesday night.
Linebacker Jason Worilds took to Twitter late Tuesday evening to announce that he was retiring from football rather than attempting to acquire a new contract.
“I appreciate all of the interest from the organizations that have reached out to us in the past few days,” Worilds wrote. “With that being said, after much thought & consideration I have chosen to step away from football as I have opted to pursue other interests.
“I am especially grateful of the opportunity to play before some of the greatest fans in football today. Despite any concern and speculation that may ensue, I appreciate those that are respectful of my decision.”
Worilds, 27, matched defensive end Cameron Heyward for the team lead in sacks in 2014 with 7.5 after leading the team with eight sacks in 2013.
A second-round draft pick in 2010, Worilds was named the team’s transition player in 2014, earning $9.7 million.
Worilds had received interest from several teams as a free agent, including Philadelphia, Tennessee and the Giants, but had not come to terms on a new deal.
The Steelers have been expecting safety Troy Polamalu to announce his retirement. If he does not, the team is expected to release him with a June 1 designation to clear $6 million in salary cap space.
The retirement of Worilds was not an oddity on the opening day of free agency across the NFL.
San Francisco’s Pro Bowl inside linebacker Patrick Willis announced he was walking away from the game earlier in the day at just 30. And Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker, who had just become a free agent, announced his retirement at 26.
Worilds had been one of eight Steelers who became free agents on Tuesday. The others included James Harrison, Ike Taylor, Will Allen, Clifton Geathers, Ben Tate, Brice McCain, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Michael Palmer.
Worilds and McCain had been drawing the most interest from opposing teams.
McCain, a cornerback, has been contacted by both Minnesota and Miami and reportedly has a visit scheduled with the Dolphins.
The Steelers re-signed linebacker Arthur Moats and tight end Matt Spaeth on Monday to keep them from reaching free agency.