In the NFL, few players get the chance to walk away on their own terms.
Often bitten by injury, or told they can no longer play at a high enough level, careers end every year in the NFL in a fashion that few envision.
But Steelers LB Myles Jack was one of the exceptions this year, opting to hang up his cleats on his merit.
Well, following a return to the Steelers, Jack is wondering why he ever left:
Myles Jack’s brief retirement:
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) December 24, 2023
- Call of Duty (both on PlayStation and XBox)
- playing 5 on 5 basketball at Life Time Fitness
- being a “pedestrian” and watching football
- hanging out at the bar #Steelers pic.twitter.com/RAHXkzZY3a
In his first game back in Pittsburgh since declaring retirement, Jack recorded six tackles, two QB hits, one tackle for loss and a sack that all but ended the Bengals attempt at a comeback.
"I am not in midseason form like the rest of these guys. Broke some good sweats, probably got to my second, third, fourth wind. But I made it through. I’ll get a good nap in tonight," Jack told reporters after the game.
“We have a great linebacker room,” Jack added. “Everybody gets reps and that communication is great in there. We’re all helping each other. If someone makes a play or misses a play, we’re all talking and giving each other pointers. The cool thing about the room is nobody is about themselves. We all work together. Once I jumped in, everybody gave me the green light and we went out there, had some fun, and I directed them what to do...
"...It was great just to get back out there and feel the crowd. Loved it. I kinda regret retiring now.”
Jack will likely be the number one LB in Pittsburgh's rotation following the injury to Elandon Roberts.
Pittsburgh will need his veteran presence and familiarity with the scheme to show up in a big way down the stretch, emphasizing the one-time couch potato to show retirement is still a ways away.
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