NFL reporter Ian Rapoport confirms that former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter has retired. Porter, Peezy to Steelers fans, plans to retire as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“That’s where I started at,” Porter said, “It’ll be an honor to go out there and retire as a Steeler. Started there, end there. Thirteen years. I never thought I’d play that long when I first started.”
Porter has said he's already talked to the Steelers organization about it. What led to the retirement decision, though? Peezy said it was because of health, and didn’t feel like himself last season with the Cardinals, aka Pittsburgh West.
“Not being able to get 100% healthy to play at the level I am accustomed to playing at,” Porter said, telling why. “The last two years, I tried to play and I wasn’t out there as healthy as I’ve been in the past. This year, I knew my knee wasn’t getting any better as far as this season.”
Peezy was beloved in Steeler Nation and there was an initial uproar when the Steelers let him go over contract and other issues. A personal friend, my Little Steeler Pixie Amanda Taylor, even called me up after it was announced and said, "What are they doing??? They released Joey!" I told to calm down and remember the name James Harrison. 'Nuff said.
Peezy was one of the best and most fierce. He was a leader in the locker room and on the field. He never backed down and he dared you to cross him. Just ask William Green and Terrelle Smith, formerly of the hated Cleveland Browns.
Peezy got into a pregame fight with Browns running back William Green in November of 2004. Peezy was already pissed because Browns defensive lineman Gerard Warren had threatened several days before the game to "rattle" Steelers rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger by hitting him in the head.
Bad idea. Since 1974, the Steelers have always had at least one linebacker who just scared everybody. At that time it was Peezy. Bad idea.
After Peezy and Green began yelling at each other, Green shoved Peezy (bad idea), who countered by throwing punches at, and connecting with, Green. Green left leakin'! (Sorry, street slang. Green left with a bloody lip.) Brown fullback Terrelle Smith was also there and tried to come to Green's aid (bad idea). He got tagged too. Go back and try to find tape on it. You could actually see Peezy say something like, "Oh, you want some too?!" Joey!!!
In Peezy's eight years with the Steelers he recorded 327 tackles, 60 sacks 10 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. He went to three Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2002.
It just feels right that he retires as a member of the Steelers. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nvS9w_vyxo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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