Ex-Steelers wide receiver announces retirement on Day 1 of training camp
On Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that ex-Steelers wideout Mike Williams, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, retired on Day 1 of training camp.
"Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams' agent, Tory Dandy, informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL," Schefter wrote on X. "Williams walks away from the game at age 30."
Williams was traded from the Jets to the Steelers in November 2024, and despite showing promise in Pittsburgh's offense, he ultimately finished his Steel City tenure with just nine receptions, 132 receiving yards, and one touchdown in nine games.
He was one of the most underrated 50/50 wide receivers in the league, and his surprising retirement leaves a solid final career stat line of 330 receptions, 5,104 receiving yards, and 32 touchdowns in 106 games.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NFL smelling salts ban: NFLPA provides key updates on policy
The NFL announced Tuesday its teams would be prohibited from distributing smelling salts to its players during the league's 2025 season. However, the league did not actually ban the products from being used, as the NFLPA clarified Wednesday. "We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out," the NFLPA wrote in a message to its players, per ESPN. "To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us." The confusion stemmed from the NFL's initial memo to players, which explained why NFL clubs would no longer be permitted to distribute smelling salts to its players. "In 2024, the FDA issued a warning to companies that produce commercially available ammonia inhalants (AIs), as well as to consumers about the purchase and use of AIs, regarding the lack of evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of AIs marketed for improving mental alertness or boosting energy. The FDA noted potential negative effects from AI use. AIs also have the potential to mask certain neurologic signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion. As a result, the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee recommended prohibiting the use of AIs for any purpose during play in the NFL. "In light of this information, effective for the 2025 NFL season, clubs are prohibited from providing or supplying ammonia in any form at NFL games. For clarity, 'ammonia' refers to ammonia capsules, inhalers, ammonia in a cup, and any form of 'smelling salts.' This prohibition applies to all club personnel (including but not limited to team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and coaches or other personnel). The prohibition applies through the entirety of all NFL games, including during all pregame activities, and halftime, and applies on the sideline and in stadium locker rooms." Several NFL players took the memo to mean the use of smelling salts had been banned outright. That upset many, including San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who said he was "distraught all day" after reading the memo. "I'm an every drive guy," Kittle said of his use of smelling salts in an appearance on NFL Network. "I considered retirement. We got to figure out a middle ground here guys. Somebody help me out, somebody come up with a good idea… I miss those already." After the NFLPA's clarification, Kittle no longer has to worry about negotiating a middle ground. He will, however, have to provide his own stash of smelling salts if he wants to continue using them in 2025. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL players not banned from using smelling salts, NFLPA says
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former Steelers LB claims Pittsburgh lied to him: ‘It hurts'
This article originally appeared on Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane was a team and fan favorite during his four-year tenure in the Steel City. However, he revealed it wasn't enough to receive another contract, even though he thought one was coming. Spillane joined the Steelers in 2019 and improved his production every year until he became a free agent following the 2022 season. He eventually signed a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, but that wasn't his ideal scenario. 'Before I went into free agency, [the Steelers] told me, 'Go out, test the market, see what you get. We're gonna offer whatever they give you. We wanna make you a Steeler. We love you,''Spillane said on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast. 'I call them, 'I got an offer from the Raiders. I want to come back, what's the deal?' They were like, 'Good luck, have fun.'' Click here to read more from Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NFL Preseason News: Browns' Kevin Stefanski confirms Shedeur Sanders' start, Panthers' Jimmy Horn Jr. in car crash, Chargers reunite with old friend, Aaron Donald sparks Rams speculation
NFL Preseason News: Browns' Kevin Stefanski confirms Shedeur Sanders' start, Panthers' Jimmy Horn Jr. in car crash, Chargers reunite with old friend, Aaron Donald sparks Rams speculation originally appeared on The Sporting News The NFL preseason is officially underway, and Wednesday's headlines have everything from unexpected starters to nostalgic reunions and even the possibility of a Hall of Famer coming out of retirement. Jaycee Horn involved in car accident, will not practice today The Carolina Panthers will be without cornerback Jaycee Horn for today's joint practice with the Cleveland Browns after being involved in a minor car accident. Horn is 'fine' and didn't suffer any serious injuries, but the team is being cautious, per Darin Gantt of It's the latest setback for Horn, who hopefully isn't injured for a squad who desperately need him in the secondary healthy. Kevin Stefanski confirms Shedeur Sanders will start in preseason opener Shedeur Sanders is finally getting what fans have been calling for. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Sanders will start Friday night's preseason opener against Carolina, as announced by @AroundTheNFL. 'Browns coach Kevin Stefanski confirms Shedeur Sanders will start preseason opener vs. Panthers on @nflnetwork; Tyler Huntley only other QB available,' the post stated. This could be exactly the moment Shedeur needs. No one really expected this after he was buried on the depth chart. Now he gets the start with facing not only the highest expectations ever, but in little time. What if he does well? Comes out, leads a drive, and throws a touchdown. Do you take him out? No! You let him keep going. What if he wins? Then, Stefanski doesn't let him have first-team snaps again, the media will run amok with headlines. One must hope Stefanski doesn't sabotage this young man's chance. Chargers reunite with Keenan Allen Just one year after parting ways, the Los Angeles Chargers are bringing back wide receiver Keenan Allen on a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million, according to Allen, who spent 10 seasons with the team before being traded to the Chicago Bears, now returns to help mentor the Chargers' young receiver room and give quarterback Justin Herbert a trusted veteran target. This reunion also signals the franchise's intent to balance development with familiar stability as the offense continues to evolve under new leadership. Aaron Donald teases unretirement if Rams land Micah Parsons A simple fan-made graphic of Micah Parsons in a Rams uniform sparked an unexpected firestorm of speculation this week. As shared by R.J. Ochoa, Rams legend Aaron Donald commented on the Instagram post saying that if Parsons were to join the Rams, he 'might have to get in football shape.' Parsons responded playfully, but the idea has sent fans spiraling. Imagining a defensive line featuring Donald, Micah Parsons, Jared Verse, and Kobie Turner is the kind of nightmare fuel that would send offensive coordinators to throw their clipboards. It's arguably a scarier unit than if J.J. Watt had joined the Rams instead of the Cardinals in 2021 Donald, for the record, doesn't look retired. In a recent video with Jared Verse about how his time working out with Donald went, he outworked the rookie, a subtle reminder that the GOAT still has plenty in the tank if the moment ever calls for a return.
