Zach Banner, the former offensive lineman who carved out a gritty, if unconventional, NFL journey, officially announced his retirement from football on Sunday. The news came via his podcast, marking the end of a career that had its share of highs, heartbreaks, and hard-earned respect.
Banner entered the league in 2017 as a fourth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts. But like many rookies trying to find their footing in the NFL, his start was anything but smooth. He never suited up for a regular-season game with Indy, waived before the season even kicked off.
From there, Banner bounced to the Cleveland Browns for a brief stint, but it was in Pittsburgh where he finally found something resembling stability. With the Steelers, Banner became more than just a depth piece-he became part of the team's culture, a locker room favorite, and eventually, a projected starter.
That opportunity came in 2020. Banner had earned the starting right tackle job and was finally set to showcase his potential.
But in a cruel twist, his moment was cut short by a torn ACL in the fourth quarter of his very first start. It was a devastating blow.
"It was my first time being the starting right tackle and I tear up my knee in the fourth quarter," Banner said in a candid interview with Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark. "My spirit's broken.
Absolutely loved that city. Absolutely loved what we were doing."
That injury proved to be a turning point. Despite efforts to rehab and return, Banner couldn’t regain his pre-injury form. The Steelers released him in 2022, and he hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since.
Still, Banner wasn’t ready to close the book just yet. In 2025, he made one last push for a comeback, drawing interest from teams like the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs. But ultimately, the comeback didn’t materialize.
Now, Banner is shifting his focus to the next chapter-one that appears to be rooted in media, where his voice and personality have already begun to shine.
Banner’s NFL career might not have followed the traditional arc of a draft pick turned star, but it was marked by resilience, authenticity, and a deep connection to the game and the communities he played in. His story is a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t always measured in Pro Bowls or stat sheets. Sometimes, it’s about the battles fought behind the scenes, the locker rooms that feel like home, and the quiet strength it takes to walk away on your own terms.
Here’s wishing Banner the very best as he steps into his next role-off the field, but still very much part of the game.