Markus Golden, the fierce linebacker known for his tenacity on the field, has made the tough decision to retire from the NFL. Just as he had recently re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Golden shocked fans and teammates alike by announcing his retirement right before the team’s preseason matchup against the Houston Texans.
At 33 years old, Golden leaves behind a legacy that includes a standout season with the Steelers. Despite serving as a backup to stars like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Golden proved his worth by dressing for all 16 games last season and making an impact with four sacks and a crucial fumble recovery.
Drafted 58th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, Golden began his career with the Arizona Cardinals where he made a name for himself as a pass-rushing force. In 2016, Golden notched a career-high 12.5 sacks, signaling his arrival as a formidable presence on defense. He continued to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks with two more seasons of double-digit sacks, including his most recent in 2021.
After leaving Arizona, Golden found himself playing for the New York Giants where he made history in 2019. In his lone full season with the Giants, Golden became the first linebacker since the legendary Lawrence Taylor to achieve double-digit sacks in a single season, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Golden’s retirement marks the end of a career filled with memorable plays and standout performances. With 51 career sacks, 11 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 123 tackles (68 for loss), and one interception to his name, Golden leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
As Golden bids farewell to the gridiron, his impact on the game and the teams he played for will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. Though his time on the field may have come to an end, the legacy of Markus Golden, the relentless linebacker with a knack for making big plays, will live on in NFL lore.