Steelers Now
A former offensive lineman of the Pittsburgh Steelers is calling it a career.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers center/guard J.C. Hassenauer is hanging up his cleats for good as he announced his retirement via social media.
“Grateful for every second of this journey. Through the highs, lows, scars, heartbreak, and thrill, I wouldn’t have changed a single thing. Football gave me more than I could ever image, I will be forever thankful. To all the coaches, scouts, and teams, thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance to chase my dreams. None of this would’ve have been possible without the love and support of my family, friends, agents, trainers, doctors,” Hassenauer wrote in a post on Instagram. “To the game, it’s been an honor.”
Hassenauer, 30, spent four seasons with the Steelers (2019-2022). He appeared in 45 games and made seven starts during his tenure in Pittsburgh. He made five starts at center and two at left guard.
He began his career as an undrafted free agent out of the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, where he would spend most of the season.
Following his rookie season, Hassenauer signed with the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football.
Hassenauer showed enough as the Steelers signed him to help replace center Maurkice Pouncey, who was suspended for his role in the Myles Garrett-Mason Rudolph brawl.
In 2020, he established himself as the team’s top backup at center and made four starts.
He later signed with the New York Giants in April of 2023 as a free agent, and most recently, signed with the Washington Commanders in 2024.
A native of Woodbury, Minnesota, Hassenauer won two national championships in college with Alabama. He made only four starts with the Crimson Tide, but he did play in some big games, twice coming off the bench against Texas A&M and Mississippi State and making starts against Auburn, Clemson and Georgia in the Tide’s run to the 2017 College Football Playoff national championship.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Announces Retirement
