After playing in games over four seasons in the NFL, former Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Zach Banner has announced his retirement.
Banner made the announcement on his podcast on Sunday. The decision comes after Banner last played a snap in the NFL in 2021 with the Steelers.
A fourth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, Banner never appeared in a game with the franchise after being waived on cutdown day that same year.
The Browns quickly signed him and he appeared in eight games during his rookie campaign, serving as a backup on offense and a special teamer.
He then latched on with the Steelers in 2018, appearing in 22 games over the next three seasons. Banner worked his way into a starting role in 2020 but a torn ACL derailed him.
“It was my first time being the starting right tackle and I tear up my knee in the fourth quarter,” Banner told Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark. “My spirit’s broken. Absolutely loved that city. Absolutely loved what we were doing.”
Banner struggled to get healthy in the years that followed and was cut loose by the Steelers during the 2022 offseason.
In 2025, Banner attempted to make a comeback to the NFL and got a look from the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs via tryout, but ultimately wasn’t successful in his bid.
In all, Banner appeared in 30 games (two starts) over four seasons.
In terms of what the future holds for him, Banner intends on getting into media for his post-playing career.
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