One day FB Monte Pottebaum was a Pittsburgh Steeler. Next thing he knew, he was gone. In the summer of 2023, Pottebaum was the first ‘cut’ of training camp, but it wasn’t the coaches who gave him the pink slip. Instead, he decided to hang up his cleats and leave on his own volition, retiring just days after arriving in Latrobe.
Now he explains why.
Recently appeared on the SHRP podcastPottebaum said his decision was for a number of reasons and that it weighed heavily on his mind as soon as he signed with the Steelers following the 2023 NFL Draft. Like many people who quit their cleat shoes, health was an important reason.
“In order for me to [play football]There was some pain that came with it, and as I graduated from college, that pain got worse,” he told the show. “It got to the point where every time I hit someone wrong, the pain would radiate from my neck down, all the way up my arm to my fingertips.
“You all know what a stinger is, but I want it to be basically the visual equivalent of a broken arm. To an outsider looking in, it looks like you are just a coward. But realistically, on the inside, it’s like the worst pain you can imagine.”
Pottebaum played fullback at Iowa before playing in the NFL, and signed with the Steelers as part of a small draft class after their 2023 selection. He gained local notoriety for his mullet, throwback position, and uniform as the Steelers, as well as playing for an Iowa team with the same philosophy. His odds are long, but Pittsburgh just parted ways with FB Derek Watt, potentially opening the door to someone like Pottebaum. Our scouting report outlined special teams routes where he could compete for a spot.
But he retired after three days of camp practice before putting on pads. He decided to leave after failing to live up to his expectations and the NFL’s rigorous demands.
“I just couldn’t get rid of it. [injuries]And I felt like it affected my play. And I thought that while I was playing on the field, I couldn’t be myself anymore when I was on the field. And it took some of the enjoyment out of the game too.”
It was a serious life change for an Iowa boy from Larchwood, a small town of less than 1,000 people, to pack up and head east to Pittsburgh. As the physical burden increased, it also became a burden on him.
“I have three invisible nephews. Family, friends, and no one is getting any younger. “I felt like I could enjoy life more by being with the people I love rather than chasing money.”
Pottebaum also described the discomfort of living out of a hotel during his time with the Steelers, a suitcase life instead of enjoying the comforts of being home. It’s common for rookies and young players to start their time with a new team in a hotel, but they don’t make enough money to rent an apartment, and they’re not in a position to sign and buy a house in the area.
His faith also required him to give up his football dreams and return to Iowa.
“What would it be like for someone on the outside looking in? This man has everything he ever wanted. He plays for his childhood team. That person could potentially make a lot of money. Do all these great things. But in reality, I didn’t feel that way on the inside and had no peace about where I was headed. I thought God was calling me home through a few different things.”
Now he has started coaching on the local line. He returned to his alma mater, West Lyon High School, where he describes himself as the team’s “morale builder.” It’s paying off. His team hit the jackpot by going undefeated in the regular season. First round playoff win on Friday night.Garner-Hayfield demolished Ventura 42-0. It may not be the NFL on Sunday, but Friday Night Football in Iowa is as close to making a dream come true.
