QB Kordell Stewart officially retires as a Steeler -NFL News
Former Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, Kordell Stewart, has officially announced retirement from the National Football League (NFL) even though his career had ended almost a decade ago, unofficially.
The announcement was made by Stewart who is now a game analyst on ESPN, on Wednesday, May 30.
Although the player was not involved in any football activity with any team since the 2002-2004 stint with the Baltimore Ravens, he signed a day-long contract with Steelers to finish his career in Pittsburgh, which was his main desire.
Stewart played eight consecutive seasons with Steelers and was very popular among local fans who dubbed him ‘Slash.’
He said of his time in Pittsburgh:
"Being here in this city, a lot of great things happened. All the other stuff was just a part of the game."
In addition to being their QB, the player also served the team at wide receiver and running back positions.
He joined the team in 1995 as a second-round draft pick and had a successful career before playing last two seasons in Baltimore, where he spent his time almost filling his retirement papers.
About the choice of ending his career with Steelers, he said:
"This where it all started, this where all my success was. This was the closure I wanted to have and needed to have with my career."
During his stay in Pittsburgh, Stewart had been through many ups and downs, both in the game and life. On one hand, he received death threats and boos while on the other hand, his form and performance were celebrated.
He said:
"It was an ebb-and-flow type career that I had, one where I had tons of highs and tons of lows. I'm at the point if you understand anything in life that's what you will have."
Despite remaining almost inactive and receiving no calls from any team or agents since 2004, the player opted against the decision of calling it quits, officially.
Now coming to that choice the player looks back at his career and sees leaving many successful points, including taking Steelers to the Super Bowl title and conference championships.
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