Ex-Steelers Draft Pick Announces Retirement After Back-to-Back Releases, Transitions to Pittsburgh Police Department

October 15, 2025 – In a poignant pivot from the gridiron to the front lines of public service, former Pittsburgh Steelers sixth-round draft pick Ryan Watts has retired from professional football after just two tumultuous seasons in the league. The 23-year-old cornerback, who never appeared in a regular-season game for the Black and Gold, was waived by the team last week for the second time in little over a month, prompting him to hang up his cleats and enlist with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police as a recruit in its upcoming academy class.

Watts’ NFL journey, marked by promise and persistent injury setbacks, began with optimism when the Steelers selected him out of the University of Texas in the 2024 NFL Draft. A versatile 6-foot-3 defender with a background at Ohio State before transferring to Austin, Watts was viewed as a developmental asset for Pittsburgh’s secondary, bringing physicality and ball skills honed over 25 college starts. However, his professional career was derailed almost immediately by a lingering neck injury sustained during training camp last summer, landing him on injured reserve without logging a single snap.

Despite a brief resurgence—Watts was re-signed to the Steelers’ practice squad in late August amid depth concerns at cornerback—the team ultimately released him again on October 8, citing medical evaluations that deemed a return to play untenable. “After thorough consultations with our medical staff, independent experts, and Ryan’s representatives, we determined that continuing his football career was not advisable for his long-term health,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan stated in a team release. “Ryan’s toughness and character have been evident throughout, and we wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter.”

The decision, while pragmatic for the franchise, closes the book on a brief tenure that echoed the harsh realities faced by late-round prospects in a league where injuries can truncate dreams overnight. Watts, a Pittsburgh native who grew up idolizing the Steelers in the city’s storied football culture, expressed gratitude in a heartfelt Instagram post announcing his retirement: “From dreaming in the Burgh to suiting up for my hometown team—it’s been an honor. But God’s got bigger plans. Excited to serve and protect the city I love as a Pittsburgh Police Officer starting next month.”

In a move that has resonated deeply with the Steelers faithful, Watts’ transition to law enforcement underscores a commitment to community roots. He joins the Pittsburgh Police Department’s recruit training program, set to commence in November, where he will undergo rigorous preparation in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and community policing—skills that align with his on-field reputation for leadership and resilience. “Pittsburgh means everything to me,” Watts told local outlet KDKA-TV. “Football gave me a platform, but serving my neighbors is the real playbook now.”

The Steelers organization, known for its strong ties to Western Pennsylvania’s public safety community, offered its full endorsement. “Ryan’s decision reflects the grit and heart that define our city,” said Steelers director of player development Sheldon White, who mentored Watts during his time in Pittsburgh. “We’re proud to have been part of his story and look forward to cheering him on from the sidelines—now in blue.”

Watts’ story adds another layer to the Steelers’ 2024 draft class narrative, a group that has navigated its share of hurdles en route to contributing to Pittsburgh’s 7-4 start this season. As the team eyes a playoff push under quarterback Justin Fields, Watts’ graceful exit serves as a reminder of the NFL’s unforgiving pace—and the enduring appeal of giving back where it all began.