The Pittsburgh Steelers received somewhat shocking news early on in training camp, as one of their rookies has officially called it quits very soon. Monte Pottebaum, the rookie fullback from the Iowa Hawkeyes, has officially retired, according to the Steelers' TwitterX account. Pottebaum was expected to at least compete for the fullback position, but with the retirement announcement, the competition seems to be over entirely.
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Monte Pottebaum (#38) runs to the outside against Illinois.
No matter what happens to Pottebaum, good luck to him and his post-football career.
We have placed FB Monte Pottebaum on the Reserve/Retired List. @BordasLaw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 30, 2023
Pottebaum was originally signed by the Steelers right after the draft on a three-year, $2.7 million contract with a $10,000 signing bonus. He was part of the normal flurry of undrafted free agent signings after the draft concluded. His undrafted signing class included camp competition with guys like Jordan Byrd for the returner position and Tanner Morgan for the third-string quarterback job. All of these players were looking to have the impact that Jaylen Warren had as an undrafted rookie in 2022.
The Steelers fan (Pottebaum) got his chance to compete for a spot with the team, but his fate seemed somewhat sealed with some rough moments in the spring/summer minicamps. Despite that, he was given another chance to compete for the fullback position during training camp. There has been little word on how he was doing during training camp until the fourth day when his retirement announcement was released. The Steelers' fullback situation seemed set in stone, and now it seems like it's even more solidified.
Danny Karnik / AP Photo
Steelers Cameron and Connor Heyward share an emotional moment during a regular season game in Atlanta.
How Does The Steelers' Fullback Situation Look Now?
With Pottebaum out of the picture, it seems like Connor Heyward will be handed the fullback position on a silver platter, barring any significant fullback signings. Heyward was the third-string tight end for the Steelers in 2022 after being drafted in the sixth round. He was drafted as somewhat of a utility man with the ability to play running back, fullback and tight end.
However, with Derek Watt still unsigned, as well as Darnell Washington being drafted and Zach Gentry re-signing, Heyward seemingly does not have much of a chance to stay as a tight end for the Steelers. His position seems set as a fullback and now it seems even more set with Pottebaum's retirement. There might also be another role ready for Heyward, depending on what the Steelers choose to do with their depth.
While Heyward is all but confirmed to be the starting fullback after the latest news, he could also get some snaps at running back. While Warren and Najee Harris will be the top two guys, there is a lot of uncertainty behind them. No one behind them is a lock to make the 53-man roster, and Heyward does have a little experience at running back. If the Steelers don't like Anthony McFarland Jr. or any of the other camp bodies, Heyward could play that utility man role in the backfield.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers tight end room looks a bit different in 2023, as Connor Heyward will likely see snaps all over the field.
No matter what happens with Heyward and whatever circumstances caused Pottebaum to hang up his cleats, we hope for the best of luck to both of them. There's no word yet on why Pottebaum chose to say goodbye to football so early on. We can only hope that he is in a good place mentally and life takes him where he needs to go. Meanwhile, whether Heyward only plays as a fullback or is used as a utility man, hopefully he can prove the Steelers right for taking a flyer on him and letting Watt go so he can play.
What do you think about Pottebaum's early retirement, as well as Heyward likely being a lock to make the 53-man roster? Let us know down in the comments below.
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