Former Virginia football star Heath Miller reflects on his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and retirement

Last weekend, Virginia football alumni Heath Miller returned to his old NFL stomping ground - Heinz Field - to participate in a roast of former teammate Bret Keisel at the Mel Blount Celebrity Roast. Miller, an 11-year veteran of the league, retired from the Steelers in 2015 as the all-time best Pittsburgh tight end in receptions (592), receiving yards (6,569) and receiving touchdowns (45). He also helped the Steelers claim two Super Bowl Championships and was named a Pro-Bowler twice in his stellar career.

Not too shabby.

Although Miller doesn’t return to Pittsburgh often, he has fond memories of his time and the people that made his experience one to cherish. “It was always fun for me to play for the Rooney family, to represent the City of Pittsburgh, the tradition of the Steelers,” Miller told Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. “That was something that was awesome. Not a lot teams have that opportunity throughout the league. I feel fortunate that I was given that by Mr. (Dan) Rooney, Coach (Bill) Cowher, Kevin (Colbert) and the guys who drafted me to be here. I didn’t take that lightly.”

He said he doesn’t watch too many games, but the further away he gets from his playing days, the easier it is to watch. Even though No. 83, someone quarterback Ben Roethlisberger called “the best teammate”, is no longer roaming the gridiron for the Steelers, the Pittsburgh faithful still carry on the legendary “HEEEEATH” chant any time current tight end Jesse James hauls in a catch.

“It’s humbling,” he said. “It makes you realize and appreciate how passionate the fans were and how much you were recognized and well-liked by the fans. It means a lot. It’s not taken lightly by any means.”

Today, the Steelers posted a video looking back at Heath’s time in Pittsburgh:

Heath also discussed what football, playing in Pittsburgh, and the Steeler faithful meant to him his 11 years in the league. Additionally, he touches on some of the things he misses (the relationships) and those he doesn’t (training camp). Check out his full segment here:

Miller, who was a member of the Cavaliers the last time they defeated Virginia Tech, returned to Charlottesville two seasons ago to meet a fan during one of the football team’s “Thursday Heroes”:

HEEEEEEEEATH is still the best.