Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Zach Banner is hanging up the cleats, officially announcing his retirement from football in a heartfelt message on social media.
“This is that announcement that every professional athlete hates to make,” Banner shared. “You try your hardest to play and perform at a high level as long as you can.
You work so many hours and days on and off the field to chase your dreams and goals, and you don’t really have time to process that announcement. But, I’m here now so I am officially going to retire from the National Football League…”
It’s the kind of message that resonates with anyone who’s followed the grind of a pro athlete’s journey - the long hours, the physical toll, the emotional investment. And for Banner, that journey was anything but ordinary.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Banner came into the league out of USC with a big frame and even bigger potential. But like many linemen trying to carve out a role in the NFL, his path wasn’t linear. After bouncing around early on, he found a home in Pittsburgh in 2019, where he became a fan favorite not just for his play, but for his larger-than-life personality and community involvement.
From 2019 to 2021, Banner suited up in 22 games for the Steelers, bringing energy and physicality to the offensive line. Injuries, unfortunately, limited his time on the field, but when he was healthy, he made his presence felt - especially in the run game, where his size and strength helped set the tone up front.
After his time in Pittsburgh, Banner continued his football journey in the UFL, suiting up for the Houston Roughnecks in 2025. That stint gave him one more opportunity to do what he loved: play the game. But now, he's ready to close the chapter.
Banner’s retirement marks the end of a career that may not have featured Pro Bowls or headlines every week, but it was built on perseverance, heart, and a deep love for the game. He leaves the field as a player who battled through setbacks, found ways to contribute when called upon, and remained a respected figure in every locker room he entered.
For fans in Pittsburgh and beyond, Zach Banner will be remembered not just as an offensive lineman, but as a player who gave everything he had - and did it with a smile.