Former Steeler Zach Banner Sends Heartfelt Goodbye Message to Pittsburgh

Even though his time representing Pittsburgh as a member of the Steelers has come to an end, it doesn’t appear Pittsburgh will ever truly leave his heart. After taking time away from social media following his release, Zach Banner released a heartfelt video goodbye to Steelers fans and the people of Pittsburgh as a whole.

Love Yinz pic.twitter.com/y4NZb7NUtb

— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) April 2, 2022

In the video, Banner starts off by saying learning he would no longer be a Steeler has been difficult. He then would go on saying his fight to return to form since suffering an ACL tear has been a struggle, both physically and mentally. Banner won the Steelers starting left tackle job during training camp in 2020 only to get injured in Week 1 game against the Giants that season. It would take him over a year to even get back in a game and would never come close to reclaiming his role.

Banner then focused on his work in the community as what he was most proud of from his time living in Pittsburgh. This work included Banner working with local groups and schools in attempt to improve diversity relations. Banner donated his money and other forms of assistance to help build up areas like Homestead.

Over his three years with the Steelers, Banner played in 22 games. He started two games over those three years. Banner, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts out of USC in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, was then cut before the first game of that year and landed with the Cleveland Browns. Banner was signed by the Carolina Panthers before being waived before training camp. The Steelers signed him later that summer during the heat of training camp.

With the release, the Steelers saved $4.175 million and recorded a dead cap charge of $1.625 million. Banner was the first cut of the Steelers’ offseason cycle.