Steelers' tackle Ryan Harris went to social media on Friday night to announce that he is retiring from the NFL.
Harris, 31, signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent last year, but was placed on injured reserve after suffering a leg injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 2.
At the end of the season Harris told me how much it meant to be a part of the Steelers organization, even if it was for a short time. He also talked briefly about his injury and his future.
"It was a very scary injury, what I was going through, but this is an incredible organization," said Harris, who played in just four games before being placed on injured reserve. "Playing football is a dream of mine and as long as I can pursue it I intend to.
"Everyone from the coaches, Coach (Mike) Tomlin, Coach (Mike) Munchak, the players, especially the offensive line, they all wanted me around (last season) so that helped my healing and that helped me be a part of the Steelers' family and stay a part of the Steelers' family. Being around the guys makes everything better. (Maurkice) Pouncey has us to his house and that is special.
"It's amazing to see the Rooney family multiple times a day or a week. The fact that Mr. (Dan) Rooney knows my name is incredible, especially being a fan of the game for so long. Just everything, from the medical staff, to the coaches, to everyone involved, this is a championship organization and you feel it immediately when you get here.
"The culture of the Steelers and the type of character we have here makes it fuller."
