Veteran offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert, who opted out of the 2020 season due to Covid concerns, declared his retirement on Monday.
He made the declaration through a statement released on Twitter, saying he “will forever remain grateful for the memories, experiences, friendships and successes football has provided me.”
Gilbert, 33, played eight seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who chose him in the second round of the 2011 draft, and showed up in 88 games, making 87 beginnings at right tackle.
“I would like to send a special thank you to the Rooney family, Coach [Mike] Tomlin, Coach [Sean] Kugler and [GM] Kevin Colbert for drafting me in 2011 and giving me the opportunity to live my dream and play for The Pittsburgh Steelers for eight years, cheered on by the support of the best fans in the National Football League,” he wrote.
Gilbert was traded to the Arizona Cardinals before the 2019 season however missed the whole season due to a torn ACL. He re-endorsed with the Cardinals on a one-year contract last offseason yet then decided to opt out.
“Although my tenure with the Arizona Cardinals was short, I cherished my time in the Grand Canyon State. I wish Coach [Kliff] Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals the best of luck this season,” he wrote.