by The “Hulk Smash” era in the Steel City has officially come to a close. Former offensive tackle and massive personality Zach Banner announced this week that he is hanging up his cleats for good. After spending the last several seasons working tirelessly to return to professional football, the Steelers fan favorite retires with his head held high, acknowledging that his body can no longer meet the grueling demands of the NFL trenches.
The Rise of a Cult Hero
Zach Banner’s journey in Pittsburgh was anything but traditional. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Colts who bounced around the league, he found his true home at Heinz Field (now Lumen Field). He became a household name not just for his 6-foot-8 frame, but for the way he embraced his role. Every time the PA announcer boomed, “Number 72 is reporting as eligible,” the crowd erupted in a way usually reserved for star quarterbacks. Even as this Steelers fan favorite retires, those “eligible receiver” chants remain a core memory for the “12s” and the black-and-gold faithful alike.
The Injury That Changed Everything
The turning point in Banner’s career came in the 2020 season opener against the New York Giants. After winning the starting right tackle job in training camp, Banner suffered a devastating torn ACL late in the fourth quarter. It was a heartbreaking moment for a player who had worked so hard to transform his conditioning and technique. Despite the setback, he remained a vocal leader on the sidelines, but the physical toll of that injury is ultimately a primary reason the Steelers fan favorite retires today, as his subsequent comeback attempts never saw him return to that peak 2020 form.
Zach Banner: A Career in the Black & Gold
| Metric | Career Highlight |
| Height/Weight | 6’8″, 358 lbs |
| Favorite Role | Tackle-Eligible Extra Blocker |
| Defining Moment | Winning the 2020 Starting RT Job |
| Legacy | “Hulk Smash” & Community Leadership |
A Grueling Comeback Trail
Banner didn’t go down without a fight. Over the last two years, he was a frequent face on social media, documenting his intense rehabilitation and training sessions. He even took his talents to the UFL, playing for the Houston Roughnecks in early 2025 to prove his knee could handle live contact. However, despite several workouts with NFL teams this winter, a contract never materialized. In his retirement podcast, he admitted that while the mind was willing, the Steelers fan favorite retires because he realized his mobility simply wasn’t where it needed to be to compete with elite edge rushers.
More Than Just a Football Player
While his play on the field was impactful, Banner’s legacy in Pittsburgh is deeply rooted in his off-field contributions. He was a champion for social justice and a loud voice against antisemitism, bridging gaps between different communities in the city. The news that the Steelers fan favorite retires has prompted a wave of tributes from former teammates like Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt, who praised his infectious energy and locker-room leadership. He wasn’t just a backup tackle; he was the heartbeat of the team’s culture during a period of transition.
What’s Next for Zach Banner?
Life after football looks bright for the man they call “The Hulk.” With a degree in broadcast journalism and a natural gift for the gab, Banner has already successfully launched the Zach Banner Podcast. He hinted during his announcement that he plans to pursue a career in sports media and broadcasting. Although the Steelers fan favorite retires from the gridiron, fans can expect to see him behind a microphone very soon, likely providing the same candid and humorous analysis that made him a media darling during his playing days.
Final Salute to #72
As the Steelers prepare for the 2026 season, there is a certain void left by Banner’s official departure. He represented the “underdog” spirit of Pittsburgh—a player who wasn’t given anything and had to fight for every snap. We wish Zach the best in his next chapter. Even as this Steelers fan favorite retires, he will always have a home in the 412.
Would you like me to put together a retrospective of Zach Banner’s best “eligible receiver” moments and community highlights?
