Not a huge surprise by any measure, but there are multiple reports tonight via Twitter that Pittsburgh Steelers backup nose tackle Chris Hoke has no intentions of playing anymore and that retirement is just a formality now. There is no time table set for him to officially make his announcement. Hoke was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2001 out of Brigham Young.
Hoke dressed for 114 games during his time with the Steelers and started 18 regular season games in total. He is credited with 83 career tackles and 2 sacks during his time in the black and gold. During his 18 regular season starts the Steelers went 17-1. He also was part of two Super Bowl champion teams.
Hoke was an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season, but signed a one year deal before training camp to return for 2011. He suffered a neck stinger against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 6 and it eventually required neck surgery in December. He was placed on injured reserve in early December after dressing for just 6 games this season.
