Former Ragin' Cajun defensive back Ike Taylor announced his retirement from the NFL today, after playing 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Drafted in the 4th round of the 2003 draft, Taylor won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, starting 140 of his 174 games played. He made his announcement via the Pittsbrugh Steelers website.

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
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“Other than having my son, playing for the Steelers has been the best experience in my entire lifetime,” said Taylor.

 

“It is rare, in this day of free agency that is super rare to play for one team. For me to have this opportunity says a lot about how they felt about me, what I gave back to the organization.

“I wasn’t cut, I wasn’t released. It was just my contract was up and it was time to retire. If you want to have pride, well that is the kind of pride I have, being able to play my contract out.”

Taylor hanging up his cleats after a dozen years

Ragin' Cajun fans were mixed on their feelings for Taylor. On one hand, fans took pride in seeing a Cajun alum excel at the NFL level. On the other, the perception of Taylor publicly was that he never took pride in his alma mater.

When the Steelers would play on NBCs Sunday Night Football, players in the starting lineup would introduce themselves, followed by where they played college ball.

"Ike Taylor. Swaggin'."

Taylor never stated Louisiana, or Louisiana-Lafayette. Only swaggin'.

For Pittsburgh, it marks the end of a 12 year run of key defensive backs. Just last week, Steelers All-Pro Troy Polamalu announced his retirement.

Taylor ends his career with 648 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 14 interceptions and two Super Bowl rings.

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