Arizona Cardinals: Larry Foote officially retires

Former Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker officially calls it a career on the playing field, but not from the sidelines.

Larry Foote, who played with the Arizona Cardinals in 2014 with 2.0 sacks, 1 interception and 61 solo tackles, officially is set to retire from playing but will continue to be a linebackers coach on Bruce Arians’ staff in Arizona as relayed by Josh Weinfuss at ESPN.

Foote, one of the many former Steelers who made their way to the desert over the last few seasons, contributed leadership to a rising core of young players, and will continue to do so as a coach and mentor rather than a player. Foote played in 187 games over 13 years, including two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh. The Steelers beat the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. He also played a season for Detroit in 2009.

Foote was part of a preseasons linebacker coaching staff that included Dr. Jen Welter, the league’s first female coach.

Prior to the season Foote told ESPN there was a 50/50 chance of coming back to playing, had injuries decimated the linebacking corps he would consider coming back but with a healthy Kevin Minter finally able to take over the defense in most packages,  and the free agent signing of Sean Weatherspoon, Foote could fall back on to a new love of coaching.

Foote had to make the decision to retire or to play this season by 1PM MST today.