Steelers Rookie Julius Welschof Retires to Join Military Service After Being Waived
The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their final roster cuts for the 2025 season on August 25, and one late-breaking announcement has quickly overshadowed the usual preseason fare. Among the cuts was undrafted rookie outside linebacker Julius Welschof, a 6-foot-6, 258-pound German native who had been an intriguing addition to the team via the NFL’s International Pathway Program. But instead of chasing a spot on the practice squad or another team’s roster, Welschof surprised everyone by immediately retiring from professional football to pursue a career of military service. His decision – declared in a heartfelt statement on social media – has become the biggest story to come out of Steelers training camp, resonating far beyond the gridiron with its message of purpose and sacrifice.
Final Roster Cuts and Training Camp Competition
Pittsburgh’s training camp this summer was crowded with hopefuls on both sides of the ball. Linebacker and defensive back were particularly deep positions, with veteran standouts and draft rookies vying for starting jobs or key reserves. The Steelers held the last of their preseason games in late August and then had to trim their roster down to 53 players by the league deadline. As expected, this meant a flurry of cuts to make room for the regular-season squad, and Welschof was among the group let go on cutdown day.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff praised the level of competition at camp, noting that every roster spot was earned through hard work. Reports indicated Welschof was a longshot to make the active roster – he had been given an international exemption roster spot in 2024 – but was slated to join Pittsburgh’s 16-man practice squad once cuts were official. However, in an unexpected turn, the very next morning Welschof posted that he was retiring from football to enlist in the military. This swift change stunned the Steelers organization, since practice squad hopefuls usually stay in the game rather than walk away.
Welschof’s Unconventional Journey to the NFL
Choosing Service Over Football
Reactions from Steelers Nation
Welschof’s Legacy Beyond the Field
What’s Next for Julius Welschof?
Coach Mike Tomlin Media Availability (Aug. 27) | Pittsburgh Steelers
