The Pittsburgh Steelers are fresh off their second win of the season, seeing them snap a four-game losing streak. Following this strong performance, SteelerNation.com held its weekly Twitter Spaces the day after the game. The guys ended up having a surprise guest speaker in former Steelers great, Maurkice Pouncey.
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Pouncey was on almost the whole time and had a ton to say about the team and where they’re at currently. One topic he spoke about that’s definitely been on the minds of some fans is about the end of his career and calling it quits when he did. Pouncey was open and honest about it. He had this to say when asked:
"Man, honestly if I had anything left, I promise you guys and Steeler Nation, I would’ve given it man. I had too much respect for the organization, myself, and my pride to go out there and one: to accept that I wasn’t the same player, and two: to steal from the team and not go out there to produce for the money that they paid me as a player. I couldn’t live with myself knowing that I was going to go out there and do something like that.""I kind of just accepted reality. I was a true warrior, I had too many wounds to go back out there. I was just more happy with myself that I accepted that and kind of put my pride to the side. I went right to Mr. Rooney and told him I can’t steal from you guys."
Pouncey was honest with himself and made the tough decision to walk away from millions of dollars. Instead, he did what he’s always done in his career; what was best for the Steelers. That type of money is tough for anyone to turn down, and the fact that he wanted to do it for the team is truly a testament to his character.
Pouncey Reflects On Life After Steelers
Pouncey went on to talk about the things he’s doing now with his retired life. He and his twin brother Mike Pouncey, who is a retired NFL offensive lineman as well, are working and expanding their business ventures together living in Miami, FL.
They are also living as stay at home dads and are raising and spending time with their kids the way they want to. They weren’t really able to during their playing career Pouncey mentioned. He elaborated on this more during the spaces:
”It’s just been a blessing. More than anything, our family stuff, we’re just more involved in that stuff. We put so much into football, we just kind of sit back and reassess things. Missing some of the school things for our kids, not being able to have real Thanksgiving dinners, being able to appreciate some of the fruits of our labors. From being able to come from where we came and be able to bless some of our family members.”
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Pouncey sounds like he is truly enjoying his retirement and spending time with his family. He also mentioned he and his brother are doing their 12th straight Pouncey Foundation football camp, which is free for all kids.
The brothers are truly giving back to the community and living life the way they want. Pouncey of course had himself an amazing career and cemented himself as one of the great centers the Steelers have ever had. He is a 5x All-Pro (three First Team, two Second Team), as well as a 9x Pro Bowler. He has Hall of Fame credentials and is a textbook example of the embodiment of what a Pittsburgh Steeler is.
Pouncey will join SteelerNation.com next week at the Terrible Tailgate before the Steelers take on the Miami Dolphins next week on Sunday night. Be sure to stop by if you’re going to the game!
Pouncey’s full interview on the SteelerNation spaces can be seen/listened to here.
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