A mainstay at tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the past decade has decided to call it a career.
According to multiple reports, Heath Miller announced his retirement on Friday after 11 seasons. The 33-year-old had spent his entire career with the Steelers franchise.
After 11 seasons and two Lombardi trophies, Heath Miller retires in Black & Gold.
📰 | https://t.co/rUr3Yf1XPd pic.twitter.com/RWH0yFgWab— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 19, 2016
Miller was drafted 30th overall in 2005 out of Virginia, one year after the team selected quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the first round. The two would play a significant role in one of the most successful periods in franchise history. The Steelers would win Super Bowl XL over the Seahawks in Miller’s rookie year and make two more appearances over the next six seasons. They would also take Super Bowl XLIII against the Cardinals while falling short against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV.
His two standout seasons in the league came in 2009 and 2012. He averaged 802.5 yards, caught a combined 14 touchdown passes and was named to the Pro Bowl in both years. Though his 2012 season was cut short by a torn ACL and MCL, Miller was given team MVP honors that year by his teammates.
From a statistical standpoint, Miller will likely go down as the greatest tight end in Steelers history. He finishes his career as the franchise leader among players at his position in receptions (592), receiving yards (6,569) and touchdown catches (45). He’s also just one of 12 tight ends in NFL history to record more than 6,000 yards receiving over his career.
