HEEEEAAAATH!

HEEEAAAATH!  That famous sound will not be heard in Heinz Field anymore. It’s sad to think about but another of the Steeler stalwarts who helped lead this team to three Super Bowls, including two Championships between 2005 and 2010, will be moving on.

Heath Miller called it a career the other day and boy was it a career worth talking about. Miller, one of the all time Steeler greats deserved to go out on his own terms and he did just that. Perhaps he saw former teammates Hines Ward, Brett Keisel and Troy Polamalu get shown the door before they wanted to, perhaps he felt like he had nothing left to prove or perhaps he has another venture in life that he’s ready to pursue. Whatever the reason, Miller is moving on.

While Steeler nation will miss the greatest tight end in franchise history, Miller will never be forgotten. How can anyone forget the fact that Miller started all but one game in his career? Who can overlook his 592 catches, 6,569 yards and 45 career touchdowns?  All of those are in the top 10 in NFL history for tight ends and of course are franchise records for a tight end as well. 

Miller went about his business daily, never celebrated recklessly after a score, never caused trouble In the locker room and certainly never got into any trouble off the field. He was a model citizen and a model teammate.

There isn’t a Steeler who played with him that hasn’t called him an amazing teammate and brother. Ben Roethlisberger has stated many times that Miller is the best teammate he’s ever had and that’s saying something considering all of the guys that have passed through Pittsburgh over the years. 

Miller was a guy that could be counted on in the clutch; he was a great blocker, an amazing pass catching tight end and was a go to guy on big downs.  There is no doubt that he had a few more years left but he decided it was time to hang up his cleats after 11 seasons.

The Steelers will now turn to Jesse James to fill Millers big shoes. He’s talented and he’s shown flashes of being able to make the necessary plays but it’s an unfair task to throw on anyone.

There will only be one Heath Miller, nobody can replace him but we sure hope that guys on the team, and all people everywhere try to emulate him. He’s a man of character and integrity and we’ll all miss seeing him play on Sundays.

Congrats to you Heath Miller on an amazing career, we all wish you the best in your next endeavor, whatever that may be.

From all of us, to you, one last time: HEEEAAAAAAATH!