Steelers announce retirement of LB Markus Golden

One week after rejoining the Pittsburgh Steelers, outside linebacker Markus Golden has called it a career.

The Steelers announced on Friday that the nine-year veteran has been placed on the reserve/retired list.

Golden played an essential role during the 2023 season, spelling T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. He started in place of the injured Watt in the Steelers’ AFC Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills, where he recorded a sack, three tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback hit.

Golden appeared in 16 games, finishing the 2023 season with 20 tackles (14 solo; six for loss), four sacks, one pass defensed, and a fumble recovery. His four sacks ranked third behind Watt (19) and Highsmith (seven).

Drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals, Golden played in 127 games with 68 starts. He has 343 career tackles (68 for loss), 51 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries; one returned for a touchdown.