[Updated]Report: Redskins FS Ryan Clark Is Retiring from the NFL as a Pittsburgh Steeler

Ryan Clark returned to the Washington Redskins last season after playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the last 8 seasons.  According to Diana Russini from NBCWashington, that will mark his last year in the NFL. Clark went undrafted in 2002 and spent the first two years of his career with the New York Giants.  He first played for the Redskins from 2004-2005.  During his first stint with the team, Clark started 24 games and was active for 28.  Clark played well in Washington, but the team didn't re-sign him in 2004, instead going after the hot free agent that was Adam Archuletta.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him and he went on to start 109 regular season games with them.  He also won a Super Bowl following the 2008 season.  The Steelers moved on from the 34 year old Clark after the 2013 season, and there was speculation that he could retire and move into broadcasting then.  The Redskins were desperate for safety help and veteran leadership on defense after London Fletcher retired, so Clark was pursued and signed by the team a few weeks after the start of free agency.

Clark signed a veteran minimum salary benefit contract after negotiations for a higher payday didn't succeed.  Clark's last season was filled with injuries, losses and communication errors in the secondary.  Clark also led the secondary in missed tackles with 22 on the the season and was bottom 10 at the position.  The Redskins will once again look to fix the safety situation next season with Clark reportedly retiring, and starting SS Brandon Meriweather also a free agent.  Philip Thomas is under contract and he played in Meriweather's place due to injury last season, but is likely a backup in the league.

If Clark is truly retiring, I will send him best wishes after a successful career that started as an undrafted free agent and saw him go on to become a Super Bowl Champion.  I appreciate his efforts to keep the memory of his friend Sean Taylor alive by wearing his number during practice this season, but I wish his play this season left a better impression.

Congratulations to Ryan Clark who has officially retired from the NFL. He'll continue to be a star at ESPN. #Redskins

— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) February 12, 2015

We'll always have 16-0 Ryan

[UPDATE #2: 7:15 am 2/12/15] Ryan Clark says that no official desicion has been made on retirement.

Thank u guys but if/when I make a decision on retirement I WILL BE THE FIRST to tell you! I haven't requested or filed any papers! Much luv

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) February 12, 2015

[UPDATE #2: 4:45 pm 2/18/15] Ryan Clark officially announced his retirement from the NFL...as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Ryan Clark has officially retired...as a Pittsburgh Steeler #Redskins

— Hunter Jennings (@HunterLoganX) February 18, 2015