Former Steelers TE Miller settles into retirement

Former Steelers tight end Heath Miller admitted he agonized over his decision to retire shortly after the 2015 season.

Miller was at Oakmont Country Club on Wednesday to greet fans as part of a commitment with American Express.

He watched part of the practice round for the 116th U.S. Open, which is scheduled to begin Thursday morning.

“The last time the Open was here (in 2007), I wasn't able to make it,” Miller said. “I definitely wanted to come out here today, and American Express gave me that opportunity. It's the place to be on Sunday.”

Miller, a first-round draft pick in 2005, told the Tribune-Review reconstructed knee surgery in 2012 didn't influence his departure at age 33. Instead, it was mostly about his desire to spend more time with his family.

“It was a big decision because it was something I had done for as long as I can remember,” Miller said. “It was high priority for me, and to stop cold turkey was hard. I probably won't feel it until the season starts.

“I don't think the knee injury had any effect on my decision. Those things are going to happen. I was lucky to have played for eight years before I had a major injury.

“Some guys nowadays are coming back from two knee injuries and play longer like (Carolina linebacker) Thomas Davis.”

Miller is convinced running back Le'Veon Bell can be as productive as he was before twice having reconstructive knee surgery that sidelined him during the postseason the past two seasons.

“I think that doctors are getting (so) good with procedures that the recovery and rehabilitation improves a player's chances of having a productive career,” Miller said. “I will be very surprised if Le'Veon isn't back to his normal self this season.”

Miller, the father of four ranging in ages from 7 years to 20 months, said it was time to write another chapter in his life.

“It wasn't just one thing that made me decide it was time to retire,” Miller said. “It was a number of things that told me that now was the time. I don't know where I'll be (when training camp starts), but I won't be in Latrobe, at least not this year.

“It's always a tough balance between football and family — or at least for me it was. Now, I'm certainly making up for lost time. Although my boys are going to miss being around the game.

“For me, it's always been a big commitment. I really didn't change, but as you get older. you have to put in more time to make sure your body is ready to go.”

Miller, one of only 12 tight ends with 6,000 receiving yards, wanted to quietly walk away from the NFL after 11 seasons, which included two Super Bowl titles.

“I didn't want to make a big deal about it,” said Miller, who retired as the franchise leader in receptions (592), receiving yards (6,569 yards) and touchdowns (45) by a tight end. “It's something I put a lot of thought into. I made it, and moved on.”

Miller has a home near Charlottesville, Va., but has decided to remain in Pittsburgh for now.

Ralph N. Paulk is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at rpaulk@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RalphPaulk_Trib.