Aaron Smith came to the Steelers' facility to attend the retirement news conference for his longtime defensive linemate Chris Hoke in January. He endured the emotional parts and chuckled at the funny lines from the back row at Hines Ward's announcement nearly two months later.
But a retirement bash of his own?
Not Smith's style.
So he'll officially go out Aug. 3 during a scrimmage in Latrobe, where he spent nearly 14 years in training camps. Smith will not be alone. And he won't go alone. LB Joey Porter, the brash "J-Peazy" to the silent Smith when they were leaders of the defense, will be alongside him. Also standing with him will be offensive stalwarts OT Marvel Smith and RB Willie Parker, he of the longest run in Super Bowl history (75 yards, SB XL).
In keeping with the unassuming Steelers' way, there are no one-day contracts, no need for front-office types to sit beside the departing player. It will be nothing more than Smith waving goodbye to thousands of fans while standing on a football field.
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