Santonio Holmes officially retires from NFL with Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the greatest wide-outs in Pittsburgh Steelers’ history will end his NFL career where he began it.

Eight years after securing his place in Steelers and NFL history, Santonio Holmes will return to Pittsburgh to end his career.

After 11 years in the NFL, the 2006 first-round pick is hanging up his cleats one last time in the city he created his career. With 3,835 of his 6,030 receiving yards and 20 of his 36 touchdowns being in the Steel City, there was no question Holmes should retire in the place he starter.

His career moment – his game-winning, toe-tapping catch will be a place in NFL history forever. Most of his career after Pittsburgh wasn’t as special as his time with the Steelers, but in his four seasons with the team, he did enough to be considered one of his era’s greats.

It was his explosiveness both in the receiving and return game that made him such a weapon. Working opposite of Hines Ward his entire time in Pittsburgh, Holmes was part of one of the most exciting teams of the 2000’s.

Holmes hasn’t played an NFL game since his nine game stint with the Chicago Bears in 2014. Since then, fans have seen him at Heinz Field multiple times, participating in Steelers veteran events.

It’s guaranteed Holmes will be around Pittsburgh a lot now that it’s official. Knowing he and Hines Ward finished their careers where they sculpted them is part of the NFL everyone loves to be a part of.

Next: Poor coaching needs to be accountable

Congratulations, Santonio. Thank you for some of the most thrilling moments today’s fans will ever see.

For all Steelers news and updates, stay connected with Still Curtain.