The Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision to part ways with center Mason Cole on Friday.
For the past two seasons, spanning from 2022 to 2023, Cole had been a key figure as the team’s starting center. Over this period, he demonstrated his reliability by starting in a total of 34 regular-season games, evenly split at 17 games per season. Additionally, he was entrusted with starting in the Steelers’ Wild Card playoff game in 2023.
Cole’s journey with the Steelers began during the 2022 offseason when he joined the team as an unrestricted free agent. Prior to his tenure with Pittsburgh, he had a stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 after being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Cardinals from 2018 to 2020 before his move to Minnesota.
During his time with the Steelers, Cole’s contributions went beyond his on-field performance. In recognition of his outstanding character and conduct, he was honored with ‘The Chief’ Award in 2022. This prestigious award, named after Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr., is bestowed upon a member of the Steelers organization who exemplifies the spirit of cooperation with the media, mirroring the values upheld by Rooney himself.
Cole’s departure marks the end of an era for both him and the Steelers. His role as the team’s starting center brought stability and reliability to the offensive line, and his contributions both on and off the field will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. As he embarks on the next chapter of his NFL journey, Cole leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication that will be cherished by the Steelers community.
The decision to release Cole reflects the team’s ongoing evaluation and restructuring efforts as they aim to optimize their roster for future success. While it signifies the end of one chapter, it also opens up opportunities for new faces to step up and make their mark within the Steelers organization.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will undoubtedly be seeking to fill the void left by Cole’s departure, whether through internal adjustments or external acquisitions. As they navigate the offseason and prepare for the upcoming season, the team will continue to prioritize building a competitive roster capable of contending at the highest level.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, roster moves like the release of Cole are an integral part of the process as teams strive to adapt and improve. While it may signal the end of one player’s time with a team, it also paves the way for new beginnings and fresh opportunities, both for the player and the organization as a whole.
As the Steelers bid farewell to Mason Cole, they do so with gratitude for his contributions and with optimism for the future. His time with the team may have come to an end, but his impact will endure, serving as a reminder of the dedication and professionalism that define the Steelers’ organization.
