Four former players to retire as Steelers tonight

By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Those who attend tonight's Steelers practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium will see more than Friday night lights and a fireworks show.

Before practice, a quartet of former players will "retire" as Steelers -- Joey Porter, Aaron Smith, Willie Parker and Marvel Smith.

Porter announced last month that he would retire, Marvel Smith last played in 2008, Parker last played in 2009, and Aaron Smith was cut by the Steelers earlier this year.

Parker, Aaron Smith and Marvel Smith played only for the Steelers in their careers. Porter last played for the Steelers in 2006 and since played for Miami and Arizona.

None will sign a one-day contract with the team, a move that has become popular elsewhere; this will be purely ceremonial but a nice gesture for the players, the team and the thousands of fans expected at the downtown Latrobe stadium.

Current Steelers will sign autographs, and the ceremony will be held before the start of the 7 p.m. practice session.


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