Zach Banner Retires from NFL: A Pittsburgh Steeler at Heart
Zach Banner has officially closed the door on his NFL career, announcing his retirement via a heartfelt video posted to social media. It’s the kind of moment every pro athlete knows is coming but never quite prepares for. And for Banner, it marked the end of a journey filled with resilience, setbacks, and a deep connection to the city of Pittsburgh.
“This is the announcement that every professional athlete hates to make,” Banner said in his video. “You try your hardest to play and perform at a high level as long as you can… But I’m here now, so I am officially going to retire from the National Football League.”
Now 32, Banner hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2021 season, but his impact-especially in Pittsburgh-still resonates. After spending the last few years away from the league, including a stint in the UFL and multiple comeback attempts, Banner decided it was time to hang up the cleats. And he’s doing it the way he wanted: as a Pittsburgh Steeler.
He thanked his family, friends, the island of Guam, his high school and college programs, and most notably, the Steelers organization and the city of Pittsburgh-a place he and his family have come to call home. “It’s so special to be able to say that I will be able to retire as a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Banner said. He also gave a touching shoutout to his wife Alex and son Noah for being his “purpose” through the highs and lows.
A Career of Grit and Grind
Banner’s NFL career began in 2017, when the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the fourth round. But his early years were anything but smooth. Weight and conditioning issues led to a quick release from the Colts, and he bounced around to Cleveland and Carolina before landing in Pittsburgh in August 2018-after training camp had already started.
That didn’t stop him. Banner treated 2018 as a developmental year, and by 2019, he had earned the role of the Steelers’ top swing tackle.
Fans took to him quickly-not just for his play, but for his personality. When the referee would announce “Number 72 is eligible,” Heinz Field erupted.
Banner, often used as a jumbo tight end in those moments, had become something of a cult hero.
His hard work paid off. Heading into the 2020 season, Banner won the starting right tackle job, stepping in for Matt Feiler, who had moved to left guard.
But fate had other plans. In Week 1 against the Giants, Banner tore his ACL on the MetLife Stadium turf-an injury that derailed what looked to be a breakout year.
That playing surface, which has drawn heavy criticism from players across the league, was replaced this past offseason. But for Banner, the damage had already been done.
The Road Back-and the Roadblock
Banner’s recovery stretched into 2021, but it didn’t go as planned. He reinjured the same knee during training camp, landed on injured reserve, and only managed limited snaps that season. The Steelers released him in March 2022, and despite his efforts to return, no NFL team signed him.
He wasn’t done trying, though. In 2023, Banner publicly expressed his desire to return to the league and even earned a workout with the New York Jets in August.
He wasn’t signed, but it was clear Banner was serious. He dropped over 70 pounds in the process, a transformation he proudly documented on social media.
“My biggest reminder is not my clothes… It’s how easy that seat belt buckled on this flight I just boarded,” he wrote before a workout with the Bears last September-his last shot at an NFL comeback.
In between, he suited up for the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL, showing flashes of the player he once was and the dedication that never left him.
More Than a Player
Banner’s story is about more than football. It’s about perseverance, identity, and community.
He didn’t just play for the Steelers-he became a part of Pittsburgh. His presence on and off the field made him a fan favorite, and his transparency about his journey, setbacks, and personal growth only deepened that connection.
Now, as he steps into retirement, Banner’s not walking away from the game-he’s walking toward what’s next. Whether that’s in media (his podcast is already up and running), community work, or something entirely new, one thing’s for sure: he’s not done making an impact.
And for Steelers fans, he’ll always be No. 72, eligible and unforgettable.