So why did Miller retire?

Been reading a lot of stories about Millers retirement today and the one thing missing is the reason why he decided to retire.

 

I honestly think he looked at his injuries, the long term health problems that could come with it, the salary cap issues and decided that it was for the best. I read the Steelers.com article where Ben was talking about it and it seems like it has been a topic that has been on their minds. He said he wished Heath would have said something so that Steeler Nation could have honored him this past season but that just isn't who he is and that is so true. Reason why the guy is who he is and I will proudly wear his jersey for years to come.

 

My best guess would be Colbert/Tomlin/whoever gave it to him straight: "You're gonna be released. It's the nature of the businesses. yadayadayada."

Heath probably weighed his options, decided he didn't want to go anywhere else for a year or two (if that was even an option), and figured the best way to go out would be to retire as a Steeler.

Seems like the Polamalu situation last year only Heath didn't let it play out quite as long.

 

I'm getting worried.. We just lost our emergency qb.

 

Can Stephen Jackson throw?

 

And he almost never fumbles.

 

I doubt it went down like that, Miller play hasn't declined as much as Troy's play did.

 

I thought next season would be his last. The reason he retired is pretty simple to me. 11 seasons in the NFL as a go over the middle TE is quite a career. It was just time.

 

It was time. His skill set had fallen off some. It's better to walk away near the top of your game as opposed to playing until you're a shell of your former self

 

It "IS" Miller time. I'm going to crack one in his honor.

Ok, I'll probably be more honorable than just one.

 

My guess was the latest injuries and the threat of these "head hunters". He doesn't want to become a statistic and he's taken enough shots already.

 

I agree plus there may be an underlying health issue that we don't and won't know about.

 

It's none of our business why he retired, that's a personal decision only Heath can make, he decided he had enough and that's good enough for me, he has a young family to consider, and maybe a business oportunity he couldn't refuse came his way as well, or just maybe he didn't want to play any more, whatever his reasons for retiring are, I wish him nothing but the best......

 

How much would you like to see Jesse James go out and train with Harrison and the LB's?

If he managed to get stronger and grab some of that swagger.....6'-7" 260+ He's not slow either, towards the end of the season he looked like he could be Gronkish with deceptive speed.

 

Yes, he's a man of many talents.

 

I really wasn't referencing his declining play as much as his cap hit. About any 'expert insider' out there had us cutting him loose in their offseason predictions. Releasing an 11-year veteran who turns 34 this year to save $4million in cap space is what they call a business decision. It's never fun when we see one of our legends retire (or get forced out). If he didn't retire, it's more than likely he was going to be cut.

Heath was a great player in this organization. No doubt. And the best to play his position in our team's 83-year (numerologists?) history. But I'll take the spare $4mill that it opens up so we can throw it towards Beachum, Gay, Weddle(?), Juice, AB, DeCastro, etc.

 

I would rather see him train with a lineman like decastro to improve his blocking techniques, and Ben to get his timing down, I think if he improves those two important tight end skills, he can be a full time starter on this team, this year.....

 

Agree here except I'd want Munchak a part of that blocking as well and include Gilbert since TE's have to work with the tackles on blocking assignments.

 

How very insightful. So glad to see you're adding to the conversation. Such well thought out input is what separates this board from the rest.

 

It's really simple folks. He needed to free up more time to crap on Burfict's lawn.

 

His conscience just wouldn't let him be part of a team that makes Real steel go up on ledges every week.