Steelers confirm Farrior's release

The Steelers informed another of the veterans who helped deliver their two more recent Super Bowl trophies, linebacker James Farrior, that he would be released.

Farrior got the word today and his agent, Ralph Cindrich, informed everyone else via Twitter that "he's gone."

Farrior's release may bring to an end one of the bloodiest weeks in Steelers history for the length and depth of what general manager Kevin Colbert calls "terminations."

They either terminated or made their intentions know they would do so to some of their biggest stars of this century -- Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and James Farrior -- along with guard Chris Kemoeatu.

Along the way, they have shed three captains -- Farrior, Ward and previously Arnaz Battle on special teams.

Farrior was their best veteran free agent signing. He arrived in Pittsburgh from the New York Jets in 2002. He became a starting inside linebacker immediately and played in all but six games since then, including two he missed last season with a calf injury. He became their annual leader in tackles and made two Pro Bowls with them.

Early this afternoon, the Steelers finally confirmed their intentions to release both Farrior and defensive end Aaron Smith.

"Both Aaron and James have given their all during their time in Pittsburgh and we appreciate their efforts and leadership they gave us," Steelers president Art Rooney said on the team's website.

"Aaron has been a staple on our defense since he became a starter in 2000 and has helped us rank among the league's top defenses ever since," Rooney said. "He has done so much for the Steelers on and off the field, and he has been one of our veteran leaders in our locker room. We appreciate everything that he has done for our team and the Pittsburgh community, and we will always hold him in high regard for helping us to so much success over his 13 years with the team.

"James was named one of our captains each of the past eight years and that speaks volumes to what he has meant to so many great defenses. He has been a leader for our defense on the field and an ambassador for the Steelers in the community. We appreciate everything James has done and truly wish him nothing but the best."

Ed Bouchette: ebouchette@post-gazette.com and on Twitter @EdBouchette.

First published on March 2, 2012 at 10:54 am