OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva announced his retirement Wednesday after seven NFL seasons, which followed his time serving in the U.S. Army.
Villanueva, 33, reached two Pro Bowls as a long-time left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, protecting Ben Roethlisberger's blind side for six years. But Villanueva decided to call it quits after his one disappointing season in Baltimore. He struggled to replace injured All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley, allowing an NFL-worst 17 sacks last season.
Baltimore signed Villanueva to a two-year, $14 million contract (including $8 million guaranteed) last year just three days after the draft.