Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald is hanging up his cleats for good. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers TE Vance McDonald announces retirement from NFL

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Jan 22, 2021 10:08 AM ET

After eight NFL seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald is calling it a career.

The 30-year-old announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday through a statement released by the Steelers.

"My family and I are so grateful for everything NFL football has provided us in our life—all the memories both good and the difficult, the relationships and friends we've made along the way, the life lessons the game provided both me and my loved ones," said McDonald. "It's always been our dream and mission to leverage the platform given us through the NFL to help serve and uplift others along the way, and we will continue to find ways to serve others as we begin this next chapter of our lives. I am proud to retire a Steeler."

Vance McDonald has announced his retirement.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 22, 2021

The San Francisco 49ers drafted McDonald in 2013. He spent four seasons with the team before spending the final four years with the Steelers.

McDonald's best season came in 2018 when he reeled in 50 catches for 610 yards and four touchdowns. In total, he had 181 receptions for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns in his NFL career.

McDonald had one year remaining on his contract and would have become a free agent in 2022.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

More must-reads: