Former Colts Draft Pick Zach Banner Announces NFL Retirement

The offensive lineman spent time with the Steelers, Browns, and Colts over his 5-year career.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Zach Banner, a 2017 fourth-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 5 seasons in the league. Banner, an offensive lineman, spent time with the Colts, Browns, and Steelers, but was never able to establish himself as a full-time starter due to injuries, including a torn ACL in 2020 that ended his starting aspirations with the Steelers.

Why it matters

Banner's retirement is a reminder of the challenges young players face in the NFL, especially those who struggle with injuries early in their careers. His story highlights the fleeting nature of professional sports careers and the importance of planning for life after football.

The details

Banner was selected by the Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but was waived by the team that September and never played a regular-season game for them. He then spent a season with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he found more stability. Banner was even set to take over as the Steelers' starting right tackle in 2020 before a torn ACL ended that opportunity. After being released by the Steelers in 2022, Banner tried to make comebacks with the Bears and Chiefs in 2025, but those efforts did not pan out.

  • Zach Banner was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
  • Banner was waived by the Colts in September 2017 and never played a regular-season game for them.
  • Banner spent the 2018 season with the Cleveland Browns.
  • Banner joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 and spent several seasons with the team.
  • Banner suffered a torn ACL in 2020 that ended his starting aspirations with the Steelers.
  • The Steelers released Banner in 2022.
  • Banner attempted NFL comebacks with the Bears and Chiefs in 2025, but they did not work out.
  • Banner announced his retirement from the NFL on his podcast on February 15, 2026.

The players

Zach Banner

A former offensive lineman who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent time with the Colts, Browns, and Steelers over his 5-year NFL career before announcing his retirement in 2026.

Indianapolis Colts

The NFL team that drafted Zach Banner in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft, though he never played a regular-season game for them.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The NFL team that Zach Banner spent the majority of his career with, including a planned starting role at right tackle in 2020 before a torn ACL ended that opportunity.

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What they’re saying

“It was my first time being the starting right tackle and I tear up my knee in the fourth quarter. My spirit's broken. Absolutely loved that city. Absolutely loved what we were doing.”

— Zach Banner, Former NFL Player (Steelers Depot)

What’s next

There are no clear next steps related to Zach Banner's retirement, as he has indicated he plans to focus on media work after his playing career.

The takeaway

Zach Banner's retirement is a reminder of the challenges young players face in the NFL, especially those who struggle with injuries early in their careers. His story highlights the fleeting nature of professional sports careers and the importance of planning for life after football.