Steelers OL B.J. Finney to Retire from Football

PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman B.J. Finney will retire from football, citing medical reasons, according to a report by Kellis Robinett of the Kansas City Star.

Finney spent the 2021 season with the Steelers in his second stint with the team, but was not able to be a major contributor due to injury. He started the team’s Week 12 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and played in a season-high 62 snaps after injuries to Kevin Dotson and J.C. Hassenauer depleted the interior of the Steelers offensive line.

But on the third play of his next start against Baltimore, Finney suffered a back injury that ended up landing him on the injured reserve list and ending his season. John Leglue replaced him for the rest of the season.

Finney’s contract with the Steelers expired in March and he had not signed with another club. He signed the one-year deal in 2021 after splitting 2020 between the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals.

He originally joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2015 and played in 59 games while making 13 starts at both center and guard from 2016-19.

In total, he played in 73 career NFL games, 66 with the Steelers. He started 15 games, all in black and gold.

Finney was a Rimington Trophy finalist and an All-American as a senior center at Kansas State in 2014. He was a four-time All-Big 12 selection and started a Wildcats-record 52 consecutive games.

A Wichita, Kansas native, Finney grew up a Steelers fan and showed a strong appreciation for the history of the club during his time in Pittsburgh.

In 2019, he wore a Jack Lambert jersey to Heinz Field as his game-day attire.