Former Steelers and Broncos linebacker Anthony Chickillo is calling it a career. The 28-year-old announced his retirement via Instagram earlier today.
Chickillo entered the league as a sixth-round pick of the Steelers in 2015. Over five years in Pittsburgh, he played in 65 games, primarily as a rotational defender and as a key special teams contributor.
After a quality platform campaign in 2018, during which he graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 40th-best edge defender out of 103 qualifiers, Chickillo drew free agent interest from the Patriots but elected to re-up with the Steelers on a two-year, $8MM contract. However, a foot injury and an assault arrest — on charges that were later dropped — marred his 2019 season, and the Steelers cut him last March.
Chickillo hooked on with the Saints several months later, but he did not survive final cutdowns and was ultimately signed to New Orleans’ practice squad. The Broncos poached him from there and he went on to appear in 11 games for Denver in 2020, with his snaps almost equally divided between defense (164) and special teams (147).
The Miami product ends his playing career with 108 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and roughly $7.5MM in career earnings. We at PFR wish Chickillo the best in the next chapter of his life.
Player no one has ever heard of, who no team wanted “retires”. This is essentially the guy who got fired but tells people that he quit. Who cares.
Just like you?
I’ve heard of him, dude was a great special teams guy for the Steelers. And too be fair, I’d personally guarantee he’s made more than you ever will so there’s that.
That would be over $7.5 million. So, yeah, you’re probably right.
He had a better career than you footballguy.
Football said to stop using their name. You’re now “Guy5”.
The Number 5 also does not want to be associated with such buffoonery. Guess he’s just some “Guy” now…
Wait don’t be associating this jabrone with all guys! I think his name should now be “ “
*footballguy5 disintegrates avenger’s still*
That should be “Who cares?”
Everyone here needs to review Graham’s Hierarchy of Disagreement as this whole thread is the stuff of 5 year olds.
6th rounder, made 7.5 mil in his career. Done with football by 28. That’s not a bad career right there. Freedom to do whatever you want in the next career. Good luck.