In today’s issue of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, there is one ad that you won’t want to skim past.Aaron Smith, always a class act, and maybe the most under-talked about/biggest producing guy in the Steelers Defense during his thirteen years, is saying goodbye to his team and to his fans. Though he’s spent significant time on IR the last few years, his contributions to the team are numerous. He will surely be missed not only for his work on the gridiron, but just as much for his off-field demeanor, leadership and service to the charities closest to his heart, which thankfully the city of Pittsburgh will not have to go without.
The full ad text is here:
"Dear Steelers Fans,As of today, I am no longer a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I leave the field and Steelers with no regrets, and am grateful to have played for such a tremendous organization. I feel truly blessed to have spent my entire professional career in the best town, playing for the most loyal fans who have loved and supported myself and my family.The last 13 years of our lives have been special because of the people who cheered me on, and I am truly fortunate to have been a part of the Steelers, the City of Pittsburgh and the Steelers Nation. You have opened your arms and your hearts to us as a family and we will never forget that. Your support, enthusiasm, love and dedication are gifts I will carry with me my entire life.I may no longer be on the Steelers active roster, but I will always be a Steeler and will never forget the people who made it all worthwhile — the fans, the Rooneys, the front office, the equipment guys and trainers, my teammates and family. Thank you for supporting me over the last 13 years, and I hope you will support me in whatever future path life will take me on.We plan on making Pittsburgh our home and I will endeavor for the rest of my days to find a way to thank each and every one of you personally for all that you have done and meant for me and my family. You cheered for me for 13 years and now I cheer for you for the rest of my life. You will always be in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to have the job of a lifetime. You will always be in my heart.Your friend always,Aaron Smith and Family, No. 91"