History of Stephon Tuitt in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2024

Stephon Tuitt is a retired American football player known for his career as a defensive end with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Drafted in 2014 after a successful stint at Notre Dame, Tuitt spent eight seasons with the Steelers.

May 23, 1993: Birth of Stephon Tuitt

Stephon Jakiel Tuitt was born on May 23, 1993.

2010: Stephon Tuitt's Senior Year at Monroe Area High School

In 2010, during his senior year at Monroe Area High School, Stephon Tuitt led his team to an impressive 11-2 record and a third-round appearance in the Georgia Class AAA state playoffs. This followed two seasons where the team had a combined record of 0-20.

2013: Stephon Tuitt's Junior Year at Notre Dame

In 2013, Stephon Tuitt played his junior year at Notre Dame, where he was recognized as a first-team All-American by several organizations, including Sports Illustrated, Athlon, ESPN.com, and CBS Sports.

January 5, 2014: Stephon Tuitt Declares for the NFL Draft

On January 5, 2014, Stephon Tuitt made the decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL Draft.

March 14, 2014: Stephon Tuitt Attends Notre Dame's Pro Day

On March 14, 2014, Stephon Tuitt participated in Notre Dame's pro day, showcasing his skills and abilities in front of representatives and scouts from all 32 NFL teams. Notably, Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach, Mike Tomlin, flew to South Bend specifically to meet with Tuitt.

June 18, 2014: Stephon Tuitt Signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers

On June 18, 2014, Stephon Tuitt officially signed a four-year, $4.60 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The contract included a $1.67 million signing bonus and $2.72 million in guaranteed money.

December 7, 2014: Stephon Tuitt's First Career Start

On December 7, 2014, Stephon Tuitt made his first career start in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers won the game with a score of 42-21, and Tuitt contributed with two combined tackles.

2014: Stephon Tuitt Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2014, Stephon Tuitt was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL draft.

January 3, 2015: Stephon Tuitt's First Playoff Game

On January 3, 2015, Stephon Tuitt experienced his first taste of playoff action in a game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite his two solo tackles, the Steelers fell short, losing to the Ravens with a score of 30-17.

September 27, 2015: Stephon Tuitt's Performance Against the St. Louis Rams

On September 27, 2015, Stephon Tuitt delivered a strong performance against the St. Louis Rams, recording seven combined tackles and a sack against their quarterback, Nick Foles.

September 25, 2016: Stephon Tuitt's Performance Against the Philadelphia Eagles

On September 25, 2016, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Stephon Tuitt recorded five solo tackles. However, the Steelers suffered a significant defeat, losing to the Eagles with a score of 3-34.

November 13, 2016: Stephon Tuitt's Performance Against the Dallas Cowboys

On November 13, 2016, Stephon Tuitt had a notable game against the Dallas Cowboys, recording three combined tackles and sacking quarterback Dak Prescott for his first sack of the season. Despite his efforts, the Steelers were defeated by the Cowboys with a score of 35-30.

2016: Stephon Tuitt's Knee Injury

During a Week 15 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016, Stephon Tuitt sustained a knee injury on the first drive of the game, forcing him to miss the subsequent two games.

January 8, 2017: Stephon Tuitt's Performance in AFC Wildcard Game

On January 8, 2017, Stephon Tuitt contributed to the Steelers' 30-12 victory against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wildcard game, recording four combined tackles.

September 9, 2017: Stephon Tuitt Signs Contract Extension with the Steelers

On September 9, 2017, Stephon Tuitt secured a significant contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing a five-year deal worth $60 million. The contract included a substantial $11 million signing bonus and $13 million in guaranteed money, solidifying his future with the team.

2017: Stephon Tuitt's Injuries and Performance

Throughout the 2017 NFL season, Stephon Tuitt faced multiple injury setbacks. He suffered a torn biceps in the season opener, causing him to miss two games. Upon his return, he sustained a back injury that sidelined him for an additional two games. Despite these challenges, he finished the season with 25 combined tackles, three sacks, and two pass deflections in the 12 games he played.

2018: Stephon Tuitt's 2018 Season

During the 2018 season, Stephon Tuitt achieved an overall grade of 81.8 from Pro Football Focus, ranking him as the 21st highest among qualifying interior defenders. He also recorded impressive stats with 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 4 passes defended.

October 15, 2019: Season-Ending Injury

On October 15, 2019, Stephon Tuitt was placed on injured reserve due to a torn pectoral muscle sustained during a Week 6 game against the Chargers, ending his season.

November 4, 2020: AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Stephon Tuitt was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in Week 8 of the 2020 season.

November 27, 2020: Reserve/COVID-19 List

On November 27, 2020, Stephon Tuitt was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

June 2, 2021: Tragic Loss of Brother

On June 2, 2021, Stephon Tuitt's younger brother, Richard Bartlett III, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident in Johns Creek, Georgia.

September 1, 2021: Placement on Injured Reserve

Stephon Tuitt was placed on injured reserve at the start of the 2021 season. He did not play a single game due to a lingering knee injury and the death of his brother.