Friday\u2019s \u201cFirst Call\u201d has developments surrounding two former Pittsburgh Steelers who joined the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason. Former Pirate Rowdy Tellez is back in the big leagues. And a one-time Pitt Panther is trying to settle his off-the-field court case.<\/p>\n
Sudden decision<\/p>\n
After having to start the 2025 season on the PUP list with an undisclosed injury, former Steeler Mike Williams has decided to retire. That\u2019s according to ESPN.com\u2019s<\/a> Adam Schefter.<\/p>\n Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams’ agent, Tory Dandy, informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL. Williams walks away from the game at age 30. pic.twitter.com\/f97JzkcYHj<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The 30-year-old receiver returned to the L.A. Chargers this offseason after signing in New York with the Jets to begin 2024. He was then traded to the Steelers midseason.<\/p>\n \u201cI want what\u2019s best for Mike. He\u2019s always been there for us, and we\u2019re going to be there for him,\u201d quarterback Justin Herbert said, according to the team\u2019s website<\/a>. \u201cI\u2019ve got so much respect for him as a teammate, as a friend, as a receiver, as a player, and the man that he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Williams spent his first seven years with the Chargers before being released in advance of the 2024 season. His career ends with 330 catches, 5,104 yards and 32 scores.<\/p>\n More news from L.A.<\/p>\n Also from the Chargers, head coach Jim Harbaugh had this to say about ex-Steeler Najee Harris showing up on the non-football injury list following a fireworks incident that resulted in an eye injury.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2019Naj\u2019 is here; he\u2019s in meetings. It\u2019s great to have him,\u201d Harbaugh said. \u201cI\u2019ve got kids that are these guys\u2019 age. So, just the feeling of having everybody back under the same roof is a good feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh confirmed that RB Najee Harris is in the building and participating in team meetings.<\/p>\n Los Angeles placed him on the NFI list today with the eye injury suffered in the 4th of July accident. pic.twitter.com\/SehyrSP5n9<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) July 17, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Harris\u2019 agent Doug Hendrickson has stated that his client is \u201cfully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.\u201d<\/p>\n The 27-year-old running back signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in March after spending his first four seasons in Pittsburgh. He posted 1,043 yards with six touchdowns with the Steelers in 2024, adding another 283 receiving yards.<\/p>\n More sports<\/p>\n \u2022 Tim Benz: We’ve seen T.J. Watt win contract negotiations. Now let’s see him win a playoff game<\/a> Rebooting Rowdy<\/p>\n Rowdy Tellez has a new team. The ex-Pirates first baseman, designated hitter and frequent mop-up relief pitcher is getting called up to the Texas Rangers. That\u2019s coming from the Dallas Morning News<\/a>. <\/p>\n The 30-year-old has been with Triple-A Round Rock after starting the season with the Seattle Mariners. He hit only .208 with a .682 OPS in 185 plate appearances before being released by the Mariners.<\/p>\n The Morning-News reported that Tellez was at the club\u2019s workout at Globe Life Field on Thursday, but has not been officially added yet to the 40-man roster. They open up the second half of the season with the Detroit Tigers on Friday.<\/p>\n Tellez and fellow call-up Justin Foscue are expected to platoon for injured first baseman Jake Burger. He\u2019s going to miss 2-3 weeks with a quad injury.<\/p>\n Addison update<\/p>\n Ex-Pitt Panther Jordan Addison has made a legal decision in his looming DUI case. <\/p>\n The Vikings\u2019 wide receiver was on the verge of going to trial this week, but now a plea arrangement has been made. That news was posted to social media<\/a> by his agent, Tim Younger. <\/p>\n Addison has agreed to a lesser charge in an effort to settle the case. That lesser charge, via ProFootballTalk<\/a>, \u201ccarries a sentence that includes a fine and mandates that Addison complete two online courses in order to end a probation period after six months.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Now we will see what the NFL does. A three-game suspension is usually the result of driving-under-the-influence-related cases. Should that occur, Addison\u2019s first game back will be against the Steelers in Ireland in Week 4.<\/p>\n Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com<\/a> or via X<\/a>. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.<\/p>\n
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