Steelers: Longtime center Maurkice Pouncey expected to retire

Per a report, veteran Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey has started to tell teammates that he’s likely going to retire. 

What a sensational career it has been for star Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey. He’s been one of the best centers in the game and has been a trustworthy partner for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

However, it’s looking like that exchange may have taken place for the last time. Per a report, Pouncey has started to tell teammates that he’s likely going to hang up his cleats and retire. Barring an unexpected change, Pouncey’s memorable time with the Pittsburgh will come to an end.

Maurkice Pouncey is expected to hang up his cleats after 11 great years with Pittsburgh

Reports have swirled over the last month that Pouncey and Roethlisberger could both end up retiring. While Roethlisberger’s status is completely up in the air, Pouncey appears to be set on not returning next season.

If this indeed is it for Pouncey, fans will always love him for his outstanding abilities battling in the trenches for the team. Since making his debut in 2010, Pouncey has appeared in 134 games, starting every single one of them.

A first-round pick in ’10, Pouncey went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie after starting 16 games in his first year. In total, he’s been to the Pro Bowl nine times and he’s earned All-Pro honors twice. That just goes to show you how outstanding he was running the offensive line for Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh.

Come next season, the Steelers will have to look for a new big fella to take over the starting center duties, as someone will have to fill the incredibly big shoes of Pouncey. We’ll wait and see what Roethlisberger decides, but the Pouncey loss sure will be a massive one for the Steelers.