Another Steelers veteran has hung up his cleats. This time, it’s Ike Taylor.
Taylor was drafted by the Steelers in the 4th round of the 2003 draft. Over his 12 year career, he started in 135 games. During that time, he amassed 632 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles, and 14 interceptions.
Ike had a kind of loyalty to Pittsburgh that you just don’t see in modern day athletes. “From the time I walked in the door until the time I left, this is where I wanted to be,” said Taylor via Steelers.com. “How the organization is, the locker room, you see why we win. When I became a free agent twice it made my decision easy.”
After taking a pay cut to stay on the team last season, he suffered a gruesome arm injury that sidelined him for most of the season. Shortly after the season concluded, he said there was no other jersey he wanted to wear.
“I can’t explain it, what the Steelers have meant,” he said. “I understand the business. But they gave me loyalty. They let me play my whole contract out.
“I’m going to miss all of it. I will miss the camaraderie, the personalities. Different people from different walks of life, all in one setting, having the same goal trying to be the best. It’s not like that in the regular world, but it was like that with the Steelers.”
Ike says he plans on returning to the Steelers for a coaching internship. He said it’s not official, but after he talks to Mike Tomlin soon, they’ll make plans and iron out the details. The internship should start during OTA’s next month. Taylor also plans on becoming a broadcaster.
