Home > Hoke will “miss being around the guys” as he retires after 11 seasons

Hoke will "miss being around the guys" as he retires after 11 seasons

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Chris Hoke was very emotional as he announced his retirement from the National Football League after 11 seasons, all with the Steelers.

“I want to thank Mr. Rooney for the opportunity to play for this amazing organization.” Said Hoke “The feeling of family down in that locker room really makes it a very special place to play.”

Hoke 35, is from Long Beach California-and was an undrafted player out of BYU in 2001. He was drafted in the same year as the man he backed up-Casey Hampton. At 6-3, 305 pounds, he made it clear that it his one goal-was to make the team. “I just wanted a chance to prove my worth.” Said Hoke.

“I’ve been blessed to play for 11 years for this unbelievable football team-and for Coach Bill Cowher.” Said Hoke “He helped me during my growing years, and for Coach Tomlin who still believed in me. I look up to them both, and Kevin Colbert who believed in me as well, I thankful for him and the best defensive coordinator in the league in Dick Lebeau-who was very pivotal to my career when he came to the team in 2004-and Coach John Mitchell-what an unbelievable guy and person-he was just awesome.”

Hoke also thanked his players-which included his fellow defensive line-Hampton, Brett Kiesel, and Aaron Smith-who all joined him at his retirement news conference.

“I started out with Kemo (Von Olhoffen) and Aaron, and then Casey-and they were such great guys and I am thankful to play with those guys.” Hoke also thanked his wife Jamee, and his three kids whom he stated put up a lot during his career and thanked the media for their kindness in the locker room.

Hoke got a chance to really show what he could do in 2004, when Hampton tore his ACL in the win vs. the Dallas Cowboys ending his season. Hoke became the starter, and was just as amazing as rookie Ben Roethlisberger that season as the defensive line never missed a beat. The team finished 15-1 and Hoke finished that season with 24 tackles and one big sack on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in their upset win that year.

Hoke began to be used more in the nickel and dime defensive packages, and was on the teams that went to 6 AFC Championship games, and 3 Super Bowls, winning two. He had truly proved to be a reliable backup to Hampton and even played some games at defensive end when the line suffered major injuries.

When Hoke had a chance to move onto another team for either a chance to start or more money, he refused and stayed with the Steelers saying that the thought never entered his mind to move.

“There’s more to this than just the almighty dollar.” Said Hoke who said that he and his wife will talk with his wife and discuss his post-retirement plans.

For his career, Hoke played 118 games (17-1 as a starter) had 83 tackles, and 2 sacks and one fumble recovery. He was a class act and was active in the community. He wore number 76.

 (photo by Getty Images)

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