Former Steelers Safety Blasts GM for Lack of Respect

Myron Rolle, now a renowned neurosurgeon, felt dismissed by Kevin Colbert when the Steelers released him in 2012.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:57pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the silhouette of a football player broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of dark greys, blues, and oranges, conveying the complex emotions and lasting impact of an NFL career ending prematurely.A former Steelers safety's NFL career is deconstructed into abstract geometric shapes, reflecting the abrupt end and lasting impact of roster decisions.Today in Pittsburgh

Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Myron Rolle, who is now a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, criticized former Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert for the way he handled Rolle's release from the team in 2012. Rolle felt Colbert was insensitive and dismissive when informing him of the decision, telling Rolle he could go on to be a doctor or president one day, implying football wasn't important to his future.

Why it matters

Rolle's comments shed light on the human side of roster decisions in the NFL, where players' careers and livelihoods can be abruptly ended. As a Rhodes Scholar who went on to become a highly respected neurosurgeon, Rolle's perspective provides insight into how such decisions can impact players, even those with bright futures outside of football.

The details

Drafted by the Steelers in the 6th round in 2010 out of Florida State, Rolle spent time with the Titans and Steelers before leaving the NFL in 2013 to attend medical school. He is now a pediatric neurosurgeon at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida. Rolle said the pressure of his current job is immense, as 'you're operating on a six month old child' and 'the margin of error is so small' when it comes to brain surgery.

  • Rolle was released by the Steelers in 2012.
  • Rolle attended medical school starting in 2013.
  • Rolle graduated from Florida State University College of Medicine in May 2017.
  • Rolle is currently a pediatric neurosurgeon at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando.

The players

Myron Rolle

A former Pittsburgh Steelers safety who is now a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida.

Kevin Colbert

The former general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who informed Rolle of his release from the team in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“One of the most challenging moments of my life to be released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. And be told by their GM, 'You're playing well, but we're not worried about you, Rolle. You can go on and be president one day. You can go on and be a doctor. You're going to be fine. You don't need football.'”

— Myron Rolle, Former Steelers Safety

“That's NOT a good reason to let someone go and then patronize them by saying you'll be fine in your other career.”

— Myron Rolle, Former Steelers Safety

The takeaway

Rolle's experience highlights the human impact of roster decisions in the NFL, where players' careers can end abruptly. Even for those with bright futures outside of football, the way these decisions are communicated can leave a lasting impression. Rolle's perspective as a renowned neurosurgeon provides unique insight into the challenges players face when their NFL dreams are cut short.