Former Steelers WR/returner Ryan Switzer retires from NFL, plans to coach

Citing a recent injury that he sustained, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ryan Switzer announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday.

Switzer, 27, recently underwent ankle surgery.

“I feel like I’m no longer able to meet the physical demands of the game,” Switzer wrote on his verified Twitter account. “That said, I have decided to retire from the NFL. I want to thank my teammates from every level and each organization that provided me an opportunity to play. I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support, and my wonderful wife, who has been my rock since the day we met.

“Although my playing days are over, I’m looking forward to using the knowledge and experience I’ve accumulated to help the next generation of players through coaching. I promise to bring the same relentless mindset that enabled me to live my dream of playing NFL football to this next chapter of my life.”

A new beginning. Thank you. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/btReNDUyRJ

— Ryan Switzer (@Switz) July 18, 2022

Switzer spent the final two of his three active NFL seasons with the Steelers before he was cut at the end of the 2020 training camp. He spent the past two seasons on the Cleveland Browns roster but did not play in any games.

A fourth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2017 draft, the 5-foot-8, 185-pound Switzer appeared in 41 career games and caught 50 passes for 321 yards and a touchdown. He also returned punts and kicks with the Cowboys and Steelers, averaging 8.0 yards on punt returns with one career touchdown and 21.8 yards on kickoff returns.

After one season in Dallas, Switzer was traded to the then-Oakland Raiders. The Steelers acquired him before the start of the 2018 season. His best season was in 2018 when he caught 36 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown.