Steelers react to Heath Miller retirement

Longtime Steelers tight end Heath Miller announced his retirement on Friday, and the reaction that followed was consistent. The entire organization seemingly issued statements of gratitude and praise.

In his statement, Miller talked about his strong feelings regarding the team and its fans.

"Today, I informed the Steelers of my plans to retire. I realize how extremely fortunate and grateful I am to have spent my entire career as a Pittsburgh Steeler. I would like to thank the Rooney Family, Kevin Colbert, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin, James Daniel and the rest of the Steelers organization for giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. I will always cherish and value the special bonds that I formed with my teammates. It was truly an honor for me to take the field with them. I am also appreciative of my entire family and all of the coaches who helped me along the way. Additionally, I want to thank Steelers Nation, the best fans in the NFL!
Lastly, I owe the biggest thank you to my wife, Katie, and our four children for their unwavering support."

What follows are statements and tweets from franchise brass, players and those who covered Miller throughout his career.

President Art Rooney II:

"Heath Miller informed us earlier today of his decision to retire after an exceptional 11-year career in Pittsburgh. Since he was drafted in the first round in 2005, Heath has been an amazing player on the field and an outstanding contributor in our community. On behalf of the entire Steelers organization and Steelers Nation around the world, I would like to congratulate and thank Heath of his many contributions to the Steelers. The chants of "HEEATH" will be missed at Heinz Field and around the entire NFL. Heath is the most accomplished tight end in team history and his efforts will not soon be forgotten. We wish his entire family the best in his retirement, and we thank them for being part of the Steelers for 11 great years."

General Manager Kevin Colbert:

"Heath Miller was as great a combination of character and football player as I have ever been around. Heath helped us win many games, including two Super Bowl Championships, while also being an important part of our community. We want to thank Heath for his contributions and wish he, Katie and the kids nothing but the best."

Head Coach Mike Tomlin:

"It's been an honor and a pleasure to coach Heath, to watch him grow and evolve and perform. There are great benefits and blessings that come with being some place as long as I have been here. It also creates unique relationships and feelings and experiences that make events such as his retirement difficult. It would be selfish of me to view it in any other way other than a great deal of admiration and appreciation for having an opportunity to work with Heath for nine of the 11 years he has done it."

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