Steelers’ Stephon Tuitt announces retirement from NFL at the age of 29

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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt announced his retirement from football Wednesday after eight seasons in the NFL. 

Tuitt announced the news on Twitter, citing his recent graduation from the University of Notre Dame and the loss of his brother last year.

"With respect to the Steelers organization, my teammates and coaches, I would like to officially announce that I have come to the decision to retire from the NFL," Tuitt wrote in a statement. 

"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. After the tragic loss of my brother, Richard, and upon completing my degree from the University of Notre Dame, I know I am being called to move beyond the sport of football."

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Stephon Tuitt (91) and T.J. Watt (90) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field Nov. 22, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla.  (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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Tuitt’s brother was killed in a hit-and-run crash in June 2021, and Stephon did not play during the 2021 season. 

Cleveland Browns offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) makes a move on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) in the first half during a game Jan. 10, 2021, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.   (Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Steelers drafted the defensive end in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. Tuitt played in 91 games for Pittsburgh,