Monte Pottebaum has had enough of the NFL.
The former Iowa Hawkeye fullback and current Pittsburgh Steeler retired from the NFL before his first season in the league. The team made the announcement on Sunday via Twitter.
Pottebaum signed with the Steelers this past offseason as an undrafted free agent. The Steelers still retain Pottebaum’s rights if the fullback does return to football.
It’s unclear why the 23-year-old has chosen to hang up his cleats. The Steelers now have an open spot on their 90-man roster heading into the second week of training camp.
Pottebaum had a lengthy career with the Hawkeyes that included:
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45 games (13 starts) at Iowa (2019-23)
20 rushes (0.4 avg.) for a total of 82 yards and one touchdown
10 receptions for 85 yards
His short time with the team will likely be memorable for his hair and the way he exited.
The Steelers will likely turn to second-year player Connor Heyward, who is effectively a FB/TE hybrid and will likely move into the role for the upcoming season.
The team is coming off a 9-8 season that salvaged an undefeated regular season where Mike Tomlin has yet to finish under .500.
