Jason Worilds announced his retirement through his agent early Wednesday morning. — GETTY
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
“I don’t know. What do you think will happen?”
It was nearing midnight at Heinz Field on the fourth of January, and most of the Steelers were still peeling off the sweat and the sting of getting steamrolled out of the playoffs by the rival Ravens. Big men were brought to their knees. Steve McLendon wept. Willie Gay stared silently at the floor. James Harrison, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor buttoned each button ever so slowly, visibly aware each might be the last.
And Jason Worilds, as ever, worried.
As the media crowded around the fading elders, I took a detour to the stall marked No. 93, where its occupant sat on a stool and gazed at the equipment he’d removed much later than most. And I asked the man, given that he was about to become a free agent, what he thought management might do.
He gave the above answer, which bears repeating because it speaks so much about him.
“I don’t know. What do you think will happen?”
As he said that, he looked up, as if somehow there could be a meaningful answer to that. I had none, of course. I simply repeated something we’d discussed for weeks, how if he felt it were important to stay in Pittsburgh — and I never believed that line more from any athlete I’ve covered — that usually these things just work themselves out.
“OK,” he replied, the head going back down. “I just don’t know.”
And now, none of us do. Or probably ever will.
At 12:13 a.m. today, well after the NFL’s furious first day of free agency seemingly had been put to bed, Worilds’ agent, Jason Bernstein, tweeted out the stunner that his client, at age 27, was announcing his retirement from football.
Here’s the full statement, attributed to Worilds, that Bernstein issued: “I appreciate all of the interest from the organizations that have reached out to us the past few days. With that being said, after much thought and consideration, I have chosen to step away from football as I have opted to pursue other interests. I am especially grateful of the opportunity to play before some of the greatest fans in football today. Despite any concern and speculation that may ensue, I appreciate those that are respectful of my decision.”
Poof. Just like that.
From making a $9,754,000 million salary and on the verge of adding untold millions, from 25.5 sacks and a chance to climb the ladder, from working relentlessly to overcome the image of being oft-injured to becoming a full-fledged starter to … finished.
If this isn’t one of the most stunning developments in this storied franchise’s history, good luck compiling a list of those that top it.
And at the same time … well, maybe we shouldn’t be all that taken aback.
In San Francisco yesterday, a weeping Patrick Willis, the NFL’s definitive inside linebacker of the past decade, called it quits at age 30. The 49ers were stunned, too, but Willis poignantly described his decision thusly: “You’ve seen me break my hand on Sunday, have surgery on Monday and play on Thursday with a cast on. But there’s something about these feet. And those are what made me who I am. They had you all saying, ‘Wow, where’d he come from?’ I know I no longer have it in these feet to go out there and give you guys that kind of ‘Wow.’ ”
In Nashville yesterday, Jake Locker, with all of four seasons as an NFL quarterback, called it quits at age 26. He chose, like Worilds, to issue a statement: “Football has always played a pivotal role in my life and I love the game, but I no longer have the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living; to continue to do so would be unfair to the next organization with whom I would eventually sign. I realize this decision is surprising to many, but I know in my heart that it is the right decision, and I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other interests.”
This is much more in line with Worilds’ call than the one made by Willis. Worilds wasn’t declining at all. As Kevin Colbert was telling me just a couple of weeks ago, the Steelers saw him as very much a “player on the ascent.” He wasn’t as effective this past season, with only 7.5 sacks, as the previous one, but it’s a tough stance to dispute.
No, what happened to Worilds, from what I know, is that, from at least some point following that season-ending scene in the locker room, he achieved a powerful realization, driven in large part by a push to give himself to his faith.
On Feb. 5, Worilds tweeted: “There’s a problem. But if you constantly factor in money, you’ll never figure the equation.”
As a result, over the past few days, Bernstein began quietly telling teams that contacted him about Worilds’ services — as well as the Steelers — that Worilds was struggling to figure out his immediate future. Among the suitors, as one might expect, were the Titans and Dick LeBeau, who always has loved Worilds as a player and person.
Maybe that’s why Worilds never let the process play out, for fear that LeBeau would convince him to keep playing. Maybe that’s why Worilds never engaged the Steelers in serious talks. But again, we’ll probably never know the full extent.
I only feel confident in three facets of all this:
1. The Steelers got seriously lucky.
Another topic for another day, I suppose, but the team very easily could have invested a ton of cash and cap space into a player who couldn’t have been fully invested. All the more reason to credit Worilds for his honesty.
2. Don’t dare accuse Worilds of going soft.
I saw the man’s eyes widen after that December game in Atlanta when he received the ridiculous flag for crushing Matt Ryan — cleanly — into the Georgia Dome turf. He knew he’d played the game hard but fair, and it took no more than that flare and “I have nothing to say about this” to grasp that.
At the next stall, James Harrison offered a fist bump.
If he’s tough enough for Harrison, he’s tough enough for the rest of us.
Some will suggest in this case, as well as with Willis and Locker, the growing concerns about concussions and longer-lasting effects for NFL players. It’s a very real issue, one that should have the league and its players’ union pushing every possible button for preventive solutions, as well as post-career care.
All I’m saying is I saw and heard zero evidence to that effect with Worilds.
3. Worilds wanted to be loved by the Steelers.
Oh, man, did he ever. When I mention above that Worilds was immersed in worry, this was almost always the cause. He was badly hurt upon arriving when he missed so much time that Mike Tomlin and others were openly disappointed, especially teammates. But even once he claimed his spot by taking LaMarr Woodley’s job at midseason, he still frequently fretted about how much the team does or doesn’t value him or believe in him.
Here was my final interview with Worilds, two days after the loss to the Ravens and on his way out of the team’s South Side practice facility …
I won’t stretch this to suggest that, if the Steelers had approached him about an extension earlier, his sentiment now might be different. I’ve got too much respect for religion to compare it to sports. But I will emphasize that playing football — specifically in Pittsburgh and in this city, as his statement above supports — mattered most to him.
Just not anymore.
Good luck and best of health to this extraordinary young man. A life of worry isn’t a life worth living, no matter the pay. Go enjoy it to the fullest.
With all of the concerns of CTE and the physical and emotional toll that it can take on the body...I say good for these relatively young men who decide that perhaps a fuller life can led off of the field and I wish all of them nothing but the best of luck.
On Twitter he kind of called out LaCanfora for calling it a "spiritual awakening." Any chance it's something else? Or was he just upset that someone made that public?
Wondered the same exact thing. This would be a huge subscriber win if DK was somehow able to get an exclusive 1-on-1 to talk about his thoughts leading up to his decision and his post-football thoughts. Although not the same kind of player, this reminded me of Baron Batch's exit and how determined he was to make Pittsburgh a better place. That dude is killing it now, so maybe Jason is following that path.
Maybe he lost the love for his job. It was no fun anymore. You have to have your heart in what you do, no matter what it is. He is lucky enough to walk away
I almost dropped my phone when I read this, but I believe his reasons, whatever they are, are good ones. He will be missed and I wish him the best in the next stage of his life!
I was so amazed by what happened and how it happened, that I wondered if this was a hoax. But it seems that this was a thoughtful decision made by a young man who has other things in his life more important to him than a career in pro football. So I wish him well, and I thank him. And I thank you, DK, because your covering breaking news in such a thorough way at this time of day is a prime reason that I subscribe.
Nobody saw this one coming. I'm in no way comparing Worilds to Mario Lemieux, but this has to be the most shocking retirement announcement since Mario hung up the skates in the prime of his career.
A professional athlete retiring with a career contract coming? Wow. Just wow. Well, good luck Jason, and may your path lead you to happiness and fulfillment.
All you have to do is click on your username on the main site, and just change it. Next step: Click on that nasty blank avatar and make it a real thing!
From a personal/life standpoint, I wish him the best.
From a football standpoint, I have to say that I was never overly impressed with Worilds and certainly didn't see what Colbert saw. His tackles (both overall and solo) and his sacks were down last year. There were games when he was absolutely invisible. I like the Steelers D better going forward and love the extra cap space.
I think he got the Steelers attention when he signed that transition tag, which was incredibly unusual. A year ago he wouldn't have got as much last year in guarantees, as he would have this year, but he still would have gotten more long term. Maybe like 20 million for 4 or 5 years, 12 in guarantees. Possibly a little more after last year?
I've said this many times since last year, I don't think they were ever crazy about him. Which possibly drove his decision. Especially with how important OLB is to this defense, they were content on him looking around.
I really don't think anything changes for the draft. They probably still take the best defensive player they can get at 22.
I also think it's fair add this is another mediocre pick by Colbert. Like Jamie Dixon, I'm not ready to fire the guy but the case against him is growing ever year. Just my opinion.
1/ Steelers got 5 years of serviceable play from Worilds
2/ They certainly would have resigned him if he so desired
3/ All, from Mike Tomlin to Art Rooney II to Colbert, felt Worilds was still on upswing.
Will YOU still be at the same job in 5 years? I do not know if I will be at my same job.
Illegitimate to somehow blame this on Colbert's drafting!!
Maybe he realized that the football of todays age is more like studio wrestling except the people don't pull punches and they really hurt. So why destroy your body to play a game that is decided before it ever even starts. The NFL allows referee's to basically decide games for Christ's sake, these ref's are not held accountable for the decisions they make at all. So he took the money and run, just like steve miller sang.
Like your "studio wrestling" analogy. While some might bemoan the diminishing of their entertainment, I wonder if more of the performers might have second thoughts.
Wow! Very moving piece, DK! not to mention your commitment to your subscribers by posting this so early in the morning! great read on my commute. thanks!
DK, in retrospect, do you think Kevin Colbert had some advance knowledge of Worilds' dilemma when you interviewed him? I was surprised that he listed OLB as a need, but at the time I thought that was contingent on signing Worlds. Now I wonder if he knew.
March 11, 2015
Column: A decision that’s truly Worilds apart
by Dejan Kovacevic • Columns • Steelers
Jason Worilds announced his retirement through his agent early Wednesday morning. — GETTY
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
“I don’t know. What do you think will happen?”
It was nearing midnight at Heinz Field on the fourth of January, and most of the Steelers were still peeling off the sweat and the sting of getting steamrolled out of the playoffs by the rival Ravens. Big men were brought to their knees. Steve McLendon wept. Willie Gay stared silently at the floor. James Harrison, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor buttoned each button ever so slowly, visibly aware each might be the last.
And Jason Worilds, as ever, worried.
As the media crowded around the fading elders, I took a detour to the stall marked No. 93, where its occupant sat on a stool and gazed at the equipment he’d removed much later than most. And I asked the man, given that he was about to become a free agent, what he thought management might do.
He gave the above answer, which bears repeating because it speaks so much about him.
“I don’t know. What do you think will happen?”
As he said that, he looked up, as if somehow there could be a meaningful answer to that. I had none, of course. I simply repeated something we’d discussed for weeks, how if he felt it were important to stay in Pittsburgh — and I never believed that line more from any athlete I’ve covered — that usually these things just work themselves out.
“OK,” he replied, the head going back down. “I just don’t know.”
And now, none of us do. Or probably ever will.
At 12:13 a.m. today, well after the NFL’s furious first day of free agency seemingly had been put to bed, Worilds’ agent, Jason Bernstein, tweeted out the stunner that his client, at age 27, was announcing his retirement from football.
Here’s the full statement, attributed to Worilds, that Bernstein issued: “I appreciate all of the interest from the organizations that have reached out to us the past few days. With that being said, after much thought and consideration, I have chosen to step away from football as I have opted to pursue other interests. I am especially grateful of the opportunity to play before some of the greatest fans in football today. Despite any concern and speculation that may ensue, I appreciate those that are respectful of my decision.”
Poof. Just like that.
From making a $9,754,000 million salary and on the verge of adding untold millions, from 25.5 sacks and a chance to climb the ladder, from working relentlessly to overcome the image of being oft-injured to becoming a full-fledged starter to … finished.
If this isn’t one of the most stunning developments in this storied franchise’s history, good luck compiling a list of those that top it.
And at the same time … well, maybe we shouldn’t be all that taken aback.
In San Francisco yesterday, a weeping Patrick Willis, the NFL’s definitive inside linebacker of the past decade, called it quits at age 30. The 49ers were stunned, too, but Willis poignantly described his decision thusly: “You’ve seen me break my hand on Sunday, have surgery on Monday and play on Thursday with a cast on. But there’s something about these feet. And those are what made me who I am. They had you all saying, ‘Wow, where’d he come from?’ I know I no longer have it in these feet to go out there and give you guys that kind of ‘Wow.’ ”
In Nashville yesterday, Jake Locker, with all of four seasons as an NFL quarterback, called it quits at age 26. He chose, like Worilds, to issue a statement: “Football has always played a pivotal role in my life and I love the game, but I no longer have the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living; to continue to do so would be unfair to the next organization with whom I would eventually sign. I realize this decision is surprising to many, but I know in my heart that it is the right decision, and I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other interests.”
This is much more in line with Worilds’ call than the one made by Willis. Worilds wasn’t declining at all. As Kevin Colbert was telling me just a couple of weeks ago, the Steelers saw him as very much a “player on the ascent.” He wasn’t as effective this past season, with only 7.5 sacks, as the previous one, but it’s a tough stance to dispute.
No, what happened to Worilds, from what I know, is that, from at least some point following that season-ending scene in the locker room, he achieved a powerful realization, driven in large part by a push to give himself to his faith.
On Feb. 5, Worilds tweeted: “There’s a problem. But if you constantly factor in money, you’ll never figure the equation.”
As a result, over the past few days, Bernstein began quietly telling teams that contacted him about Worilds’ services — as well as the Steelers — that Worilds was struggling to figure out his immediate future. Among the suitors, as one might expect, were the Titans and Dick LeBeau, who always has loved Worilds as a player and person.
Maybe that’s why Worilds never let the process play out, for fear that LeBeau would convince him to keep playing. Maybe that’s why Worilds never engaged the Steelers in serious talks. But again, we’ll probably never know the full extent.
I only feel confident in three facets of all this:
1. The Steelers got seriously lucky.
Another topic for another day, I suppose, but the team very easily could have invested a ton of cash and cap space into a player who couldn’t have been fully invested. All the more reason to credit Worilds for his honesty.
2. Don’t dare accuse Worilds of going soft.
I saw the man’s eyes widen after that December game in Atlanta when he received the ridiculous flag for crushing Matt Ryan — cleanly — into the Georgia Dome turf. He knew he’d played the game hard but fair, and it took no more than that flare and “I have nothing to say about this” to grasp that.
At the next stall, James Harrison offered a fist bump.
If he’s tough enough for Harrison, he’s tough enough for the rest of us.
Some will suggest in this case, as well as with Willis and Locker, the growing concerns about concussions and longer-lasting effects for NFL players. It’s a very real issue, one that should have the league and its players’ union pushing every possible button for preventive solutions, as well as post-career care.
All I’m saying is I saw and heard zero evidence to that effect with Worilds.
3. Worilds wanted to be loved by the Steelers.
Oh, man, did he ever. When I mention above that Worilds was immersed in worry, this was almost always the cause. He was badly hurt upon arriving when he missed so much time that Mike Tomlin and others were openly disappointed, especially teammates. But even once he claimed his spot by taking LaMarr Woodley’s job at midseason, he still frequently fretted about how much the team does or doesn’t value him or believe in him.
Here was my final interview with Worilds, two days after the loss to the Ravens and on his way out of the team’s South Side practice facility …
I won’t stretch this to suggest that, if the Steelers had approached him about an extension earlier, his sentiment now might be different. I’ve got too much respect for religion to compare it to sports. But I will emphasize that playing football — specifically in Pittsburgh and in this city, as his statement above supports — mattered most to him.
Just not anymore.
Good luck and best of health to this extraordinary young man. A life of worry isn’t a life worth living, no matter the pay. Go enjoy it to the fullest.