Trenton Thompson, a former safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, officially announced his retirement on Friday.
The Steelers waived Thompson on June 29, and he remained unsigned throughout the 2024 season. In his retirement announcement on Instagram, the 26-year-old reflected on moving forward, writing:
*”It’s always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters—it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over. … RETIRED.”*
Thompson joined the Steelers during training camp in August 2023 and made a notable impact during a season riddled with injuries in the safety group. He appeared in six games, starting one, and recorded 22 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception. However, a serious neck injury sidelined him for the final three regular season games and the playoffs.
Thompson chose a non-surgical approach to his recovery, which extended into the offseason. Speaking to *Steelers Now*, he explained:
*”I went non-surgical. Personally, I wasn’t feeling surgery. Doctors said it didn’t look necessary. I also talked to Micah Hyde, who had a similar injury, and he advised against surgery unless the pain was unbearable.”*
Thompson went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft but was signed as a priority free agent by the New York Giants. Though he didn’t make the Giants’ 53-man roster, he spent the 2022 season on their practice squad.
During his collegiate career at San Diego State, Thompson played in 55 games, tallying 187 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, 26 passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Now retired, Thompson is looking ahead to the next chapter of his life.
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