Hoke Retires

Eleven years ago the Steelers moved up to draft to take NT Casey Hampton 19th overall. With the money spent on Hampton who would have thought that an undrafted free agent from BYU signed that same year would have such a large impact on the Steelers for years to come.

Chris Hoke spent his career as a backup for the Steelers but developed into one of the best in the league.  Hoke played in 114 games starting 18 of them and in true great fashion the Steelers were 17-1 in those games. Across Hoke's career he recorded 83 tackles, 2 sacks and a recovered fumble.

One of the most amazing things about Chris Hoke was how little people paid attention to him until he was needed. In 2004 the Steelers drafted NT Eric Taylor out of Memphis in the 7th round 212th overall. Taylor was a big talented body who was expected to take Hoke's spot without issue. I remember the reporters for the Pittsburgh Post saying that "most fans don't even know he (Chris Hoke) is still on the team"...but Hoke spent another nine years with the team and Taylor was cut after camp.

I personally have met Chris and he is one hell of a guy. I am so grateful for the eleven years he traded to Steeler Nation so that we could have memories to share. Thanks Chris and good luck in all that you do from here on out.