Retired Steelers LB Vince Williams: ‘Next 98 Better Be a Dog’

Former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams may no longer be an active NFL player, but his presence is still being felt on social media.

Williams took to Twitter to send a clear message to the next Steelers player to wear his number 98.

“The next 98 better be a dog! That’s all I ask,” Williams tweeted late Saturday night.

The next 98 better be a dog! That’s all I ask.

— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) July 25, 2021

As to be expected, Steelers fans agreed with Williams’ tweet. One fan even replied by posting the image of Williams laying in the end zone with then Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to mock the Pro Bowl wide out as he was celebrating despite his team still trailing the Steelers by a significant margin.

Jersey in the rafters and this in the Louvre pic.twitter.com/kre0eIyp3v

— Cocaine Mitch (it’s me. im niggas.) (@apex_perihelion) July 25, 2021

After an 8-year career, all with the Steelers, Williams announced he was deciding to retire the week before training camp was set to begin.

Williams, who was drafted in the sixth round out of Florida State in 2013, amassed 479 tackles, 20.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown. He played in 121 games and made 69 starts.

Williams had been released by the team earlier this offseason in a salary cap-related move, but re-signed with the club on a one-year contract before surprising many by opting to end his career.