After 11 NFL seasons, Steelers guard Ramon Foster has announced his retirement.
Guard Ramon Foster of the Pittsburgh Steelers announced his retirement on Monday after 11 NFL seasons, citing him as a victim of the salary cap.
Foster said in a Steelers statement, “When the time comes, you just know, and this is the moment for me to take a bow.” “This game has allowed me to see things I never thought I would see, have some moments I’ll never forget, and make lifelong friends.”
Only quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has played for the Steelers for as long as quarterback Foster, 34, has. Despite having started 145 of his 160 career games for the Steelers, his age and $4 million base salary left him with an uncertain future heading into the offseason. That’s how much the Steelers will save on the salary cap.
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“I’m happy to announce that I was a Steeler for life, and I would have preferred to play for any other team during my career,” Foster remarked.
2009 saw Foster, a Tennessee native, sign an undrafted free agent contract with the Steelers. Two years later, he entered the starting lineup and played left guard consistently for the following nine seasons.
Foster started 14 games in his final season, which saw the Steelers finish 8-8. In the most recent collective bargaining agreement, he served as both the team’s player representative and their point of contact during negotiations.
Coach Mike Tomlin released a statement, saying, “I want to congratulate Ramon on his career in Pittsburgh.” “Ramon embodied class and professionalism in all aspects, and I believe his career serves as an example of what this professional football journey ought to be all about. He went from being an undrafted free agent to providing us with more than ten years of excellent service. I consider it an honor to know him, and I hope his retirement is filled with happiness for him and his family.
As an unrestricted free agent, Foster’s backup, B.J. Finney, may start talks with teams on Monday at noon. The Steelers may move right tackle Matt Feiler to guard to fill Foster’s position if he is not re-signed.
Foster was not only the team’s union representative but also a popular player in the locker room. Cameron Heyward, a defensive end, stated on Twitter that he will “miss the battles” during practice with Foster.
Heyward wrote, “To see the father, husband, and man that you are has been a joy.””Congratulations on your retirement! I know this isn’t the end of your amazing life story.”
Following 11 seasons with the Steelers, Ramon Foster announces his retirement.
Ramon Foster was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the NFL. following 11 years in the league. Foster made his retirement through the Pittsburgh Steelers official on Monday.
Ramon Foster was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the NFL. Foster announced his retirement from the league on Monday through the Pittsburgh Steelers, having played for 11 seasons.
In 160 career games, the former star offensive lineman from Tennessee started 145 times, which is second most in the history of the Steelers. Throughout the 2016 season, he started all 14 of his games.
Foster stated, “When the time comes, you just know and this is the right moment for me to take a bow,” in a statement made public on Monday by the Steelers. Because of this game, I’ve seen things I never thought I would, made some friends for life, and experienced some moments I’ll never forget.
I want to thank my wife and sons first and foremost. In addition, I want to express my gratitude to the Steelers organization for creating a sense of community in Pittsburgh through Coach (Mike) Tomlin, Mr. Art Rooney II, the late Ambassador (Dan) Rooney, and Kevin Colbert. I have a ton of other people to thank, including the entire Steelers staff. I also want to thank my amazing teammates for making this journey even more special for my family and me.
“Thank you to the greatest sports fans in the world, last but certainly not least. I’m happy to report that I was a Steeler for life, and I would have preferred to have played for any other team during my career.
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Foster made four starts in 14 games as a rookie after joining the Steelers prior to the 2009 season as an undrafted free agent. In 2011, he established himself as a regular starter, making 14 starts in 15 games. Over the course of his nine seasons in the NFL, he would start at least 14 games.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, “I want to congratulate Ramon on his career in Pittsburgh.” “I believe Ramon’s career exemplifies what this professional football journey should be about. He was classy and professional in every way.
“He went from being an undrafted free agent to providing us with over ten years of excellent service. It is a pleasure to know him, and I hope he enjoys a happy retirement with his family.”
