Zach Banner, the former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle, has officially hung up his cleats, announcing his retirement from the NFL via social media. Banner's journey was marked by a significant setback in 2020 when he tore his ACL, a hurdle that ultimately kept him from returning to the league despite numerous workouts with various teams.
Transitioning from the gridiron to the media landscape, Banner has launched his own podcast, diving into the world of sports commentary. On the first day of his retirement, he made a poignant return to Pittsburgh from Los Angeles, marking his first visit since the Steelers released him.
Banner's tenure with the Steelers, spanning from 2018 to 2021, is a testament to perseverance. He evolved from a fringe roster player to securing the tackle eligible position. In 2020, he clinched the starting right tackle role, only to see his season cut short after one game due to his ACL injury.
Originally a fourth-round pick from USC in the 2017 NFL Draft, Banner's early career saw him moving from the Indianapolis Colts to the Cleveland Browns and then to the Carolina Panthers before finding a home with the Steelers in 2018.
After his knee injury, Banner returned for the 2021 season with the Steelers but was released in 2022. In a bid to prove his mettle, he signed with the Houston Roughnecks in 2025, aiming to demonstrate his continued capability as an NFL-caliber player in the UFL.
Banner's story is one of resilience and adaptability, as he shifts his focus from playing to sharing his insights and experiences with fans in his new media venture.