Monte Pottebaum‘s time with the Pittsburgh Steelers was short-lived. On Sunday, the organization announced it moved the rookie fullback to their retired/reserved list.
Pottebaum signed with the Steelers in the spring after going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was the only FB on the Steelers’ roster. While it’s unsure whether Pottebaum is permanently retired, his time on the field is over for now. If the Iowa standout decides to retake the field, the Steelers will have rights to him.
Pottebaum played at Iowa from 2019-22, appearing in 45 total contests. The Iowa native started in a combined 10 games in his final two seasons with the program. Pottebaum recorded 82 career rushing yards on 20 attempts, posting one touchdown. Pottebaum made 10 career receptions for 85 yards, as well.
The 6-foot fullback earned his respect. Pottebaum was an unranked recruit coming out of high school. He joined the Hawkeyes as a linebacker but transformed into a fullback during the 2019 spring camp. He graduated from Iowa with a major in health and human physiology.
If he decides to no longer pursue football, he can put that major to good use. Pottebaum made it through the Steelers’ rookie minicamp, OTAs and three days of training camp before being moved to the reserved/retired list.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz spoke highly of Pottebaum, when the fan-favorite missed the Hawkeyes’ regular season finale against Nebraska.
“It’s a little unsettling not to have Monte because he’s one of our best players on our football team, one of our best leaders,” Ferentz said of Pottebaum. “Then Monte can do so many things, play in different positions, help us. It kind of limits what we have to do. We have to be smart about it.”
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