His hits echoed through Heinz Field, his leadership resonated in the locker room, and his presence embodied the Steelers’ hard-nosed identity. Now, he’s stepping into a role that requires an entirely different uniform.
That man is a former sixth-round pick who spent all eight of his NFL seasons in Pittsburgh, starting 69 of 121 games and recording nearly 500 tackles while becoming a fan favorite among the city’s faithful.
"Wearing black and gold taught me discipline, toughness, and what it means to stand for something bigger than yourself. Now, I’ve traded my Steelers jersey for a police badge — because the fight doesn’t end on the field. I’m serving Pittsburgh the way I played for it — with everything I’ve got," Vince Williams said.
During his career, he racked up 20.5 sacks, two interceptions, and even found the end zone on defense. His 2020 campaign included 14 starts and a top-five NFL ranking in tackles for loss with 14.
His retirement in 2021 shocked many, especially after the team re-signed him following a salary-cap release. Instead, he chose to walk away at 31, prioritizing mental health and family over another grueling season.
Today, his mission has changed, but the commitment remains. As a member of the Pittsburgh Police Department, he brings the same intensity and discipline that defined his years on the gridiron.
For the city, the number 98 will always be tied to big hits and bigger moments — and now, Pittsburgh can count on him to protect and serve with the same heart he once gave on game day.
