Steelers ILB Vince Williams Announces Retirement after 8 NFL Seasons

Linebacker Vince Williams has retired from the National Football League, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Wednesday.

Williams, 31, spent eight years in the league, all with the Steelers, who drafted him in the sixth round out of Florida State in 2013.

In his eight seasons, Williams 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 opting to end his career on Wednesday.

“Vince Williams notified us today that he will retire from the game of football,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a press release. “We respect his decision and want to thank him for his time with us as he consistently showed great character and leadership in addition to his contributions on the field. We wish Vince and his family all the best.”

Third-year linebacker Robert Spillane had been expected to share time with Williams at the team’s Buck inside linebacker spot, and with Williams’ retirement, Spillane will likely assume an even larger role.

Williams’ retirement will leave the team with one opening on its 90-man offseason roster and should not have any salary cap impacts.