Steelers tight end Miller decides to retire
For the first time in more than a decade, the ‘Heeeeath' chants will go silent at Heinz Field.
In true Heath Miller fashion, the best tight end in Steelers history informed the team Friday he is retiring after 11 years in the NFL.
There was no news conference, no big send-off. Just a 142-word statement released by the Steelers from the mild-mannered Miller thanking the organization, the coaches, his teammates, the fans and his family.
“I realize how extremely fortunate and grateful I am to have spent my entire career as a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Miller said. “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.”
Miller transformed himself into a fan favorite with his blue-collar work ethic and humility.
The Steelers' first-round pick in 2005 (30th overall) out of Virginia, Miller missed only eight games over his 11-year career.
Not long after arriving in Pittsburgh, ‘Heeeeath' chants would rain down from the stands every time he made a catch. If any Steelers tight end would catch a ball over the middle, it would be assumed it was Miller and the chant would follow.
“The chants of “HEEATH” will be missed at Heinz Field and around the entire NFL,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said. “Heath is the most accomplished tight end in team history and his efforts will not soon be forgotten.”
In team annals, Miller ranks second in career receptions, fourth in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and sixth in scrimmage yards (6,577). He is one of four Steelers to record 500 receptions. He also is one of five Steelers to record 6,000 receiving yards and one of five to post 40 receiving touchdowns in team history.
Steelers rookie tight end Jesse James grew up in Glassport and went to Penn State before being drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round last year. He was thrilled to learn from Miller.
“He's a guy I have been watching since I was 10 years old,” James said. “Throughout my entire college career, I studied him, and when I got a chance to come to Pittsburgh and play a year with him it meant a lot to me.
“It was awesome. He is a great, humble guy. He was the ultimate Steeler. He represented the organization and was one of the hardest workers. He was the first one in the building and last one out every day.”
Many of his former teammates took to social media immediately following the announcement to say their thanks and goodbyes. Nearly every one had some version of ‘Heeeeath' in the message.
“One of the most professional, hard-working guys I've ever been around,” quarterback Bruce Gradkowski said on Instagram. “It's been a true pleasure to play with this beast! Congratulations on a great career and walking away on your own terms! You're the man HEEEEEATH!”
Fans came to expect the cheer whether the Steelers were home or on the road.
“No matter where you were, if he caught a ball all you heard was ‘Heath.' You heard it. You knew it was Heath, it was all you heard. You couldn't hear the ‘H,' you couldn't hear the ‘TH' you just heard ‘EEEAAA' because everyone was screaming it,” Chuck Nobles of the South Side said. “I don't care where you were. I was at a game in Washington against the Redskins. I was at a game in California. I have been to so many games all over and it doesn't matter where you go, you heard ‘Heath.' … I think it is just because of his standup character and type of player and person he is , everyone wants to see him do good.”
Bryant McFadden, who was drafted in the second round of the 2005 draft behind Miller, said he was impressed with Miller dating to their college days — Miller at Virginia and McFadden at Florida State.
“He is a great player and even a greater person,” McFadden said. “He was the first-rounder and I was the second-rounder in the '05 Draft, so we had that connection and we also faced each other in college multiple times. He was the best tight end that ever put on a Steelers uniform.”
Mike Tomlin coached Miller for nine of the 11 years he was in the league.
“It's been an honor and a pleasure to coach Heath, to watch him grow and evolve and perform,” Tomlin said. “There are great benefits and blessings that come with being someplace 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.”
Miller's best season came in 2012, when he caught 71 passes for 816 yards and eight touchdowns before injuring his knee and missing the season finale. , Miller was voted team MVP that year.
“Heath Miller was as great a combination of character and football player as I have ever been around,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said. “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.”
With Miller gone, the Steelers are in a precarious position at tight end. They do save $4 million on the salary cap, but only Matt Spaeth and James have any experience.
The Steelers could use their first-round pick in April's draft on a tight end.
“I don't know what's going to happen,” James said. “I will leave that up to the guys who make those decisions.”
Mark Kaboly is a Tribune-Review staff writer. He can be reached at mkaboly@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MarkKaboly_Trib.
