Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Zach Banner Announces Retirement

Banner played for the Steelers from 2019-2021 and most recently for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Zach Banner has announced his retirement from professional football. Banner was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and joined the Steelers in 2019, appearing in 22 games for the team from 2019 to 2021. He most recently played for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL in 2025.

Why it matters

Banner's retirement marks the end of his NFL career after several seasons with the Steelers. As a former fourth-round draft pick, his journey to the NFL and time with the Steelers provides insight into the challenges and realities faced by many professional football players.

The details

In his retirement announcement, Banner said 'This is that announcement that every professional athlete hates to make. 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 no so I am officially going to retire from the National Football League....'

  • Banner was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
  • He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 and played for the team through the 2021 season.
  • Banner most recently played for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL in 2025.

The players

Zach Banner

A former offensive lineman who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2019-2021, as well as the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“This is that announcement that every professional athlete hates to make. 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 no so I am officially going to retire from the National Football League...”

— Zach Banner (Behind the Steel Curtain)

The takeaway

Zach Banner's retirement announcement highlights the bittersweet reality that many professional athletes face in having to step away from the game they love, even after years of hard work and dedication to chasing their NFL dreams.