Steelers Alumni Weekend is Pouncey’s first time back
by Bo Marchionte
Published November 13, 2023, 10:30 AM
Pittsburgh, PA – Steelers Alumni Weekend brought plenty of familiar names and beloved greats of the Black-n-Gold. A couple hours prior to kick off the invited players took residents inside the confines of the Pitt Panthers locker room for a group photo and media availability.
If your old enough to attend a high school reunion after a decade or two, then you’ll understand the initial reaction seeing those familiar faces you cheered for on Sunday’s that now are getting older with age. Bellies are a little plumper along with a receding hairline and then there is former two-time NFL All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey.
After the alumni photo was taken an almost unrecognizable Pouncey, 34, raced across the locker room to exchange his No. 53 jersey and return to comfort of his civilian clothing. It’s the routine this former nine-time Pro Bowler has become acquainted with since retiring at the conclusion of the 2020 season.
“It’s definitely strange,” Pouncey said revisiting Acrisure Stadium for the first time since his last game. “I woke up this morning feeling like I had to play a game. I was nervous. I had anxiety. I was like what the hell am I doing I supposed to just go get me a coffee and hangout.”
A post-retirement body transformation that has seen him lose 60 pounds along with his prospering business ventures has Pouncey looking like a young hip entrepreneur rather than a former 300-pound plus offensive lineman fending off the likes of guys like former Ravens 340-pound nose tackle Haloti Ngata.
Pouncey new slender physique is for fatherhood and helping grow the Fireland Winery located in Sandusky, Ohio, and J.F. Haden’s Craft Liqueurs in Wynwood an artsy happening neighborhood in Miami, Florida.
“Now I’m just the chairman of our business and ride around,” Pouncey laughed. “I’m in a lot more business meetings and a lot busier than I would have ever thought. I have three daughters now and I’m just very thankful for everything in my life.”
The most rewarding part about talking to Pouncey was how happy he was with his new life after football. He’s not hung up on hanging up his cleats, it’s the exact opposite as Pouncey is embracing the next chapter with passion.
“It’s easy to be back though,” Pouncey said about revisiting the stadium and atmosphere. “I was riding over with my boy Rosie (Roosevelt Nix) to the game. Like this shit feels weird to be back in Pittsburgh to come around the team and be involved in alumni weekend.”
Wearing his No. 53 and being back didn’t rekindle the spirit to suit up and get back on the field. Pouncey was resolute in feeling completely comfortable in his new life and new body. X’s and O’s are now spread sheets to study in order to help grow the businesses that now fulfill his post-retirement.
“Hell, no,” Pouncey laughed when wanting to the urge to play again. “My era was cool. I like this part when I can go out and look at the guys and just enjoy the moment I had. In my era and the memories, we had, hell, I’ll never forget them. I’m done with football for sure.
“I just appreciate you guys who helped me grow over the years. I’m very thankful for the man you guys made me today. Obviously, Steelers Nation holds you accountable for everything outside of football. I’m very thankful for that.”
Steelers Nation is thankful for having you as well. A career filled with dominance and likely will end with a visit to Canton, Ohio as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Obviously, Pouncey will have the drinks covered for the Hall of Fame bash afterwards.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
