Friday’s “First Call” has developments surrounding two former Pittsburgh Steelers who joined the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason. Former Pirate Rowdy Tellez is back in the big leagues. And a one-time Pitt Panther is trying to settle his off-the-field court case.
Sudden decision
After having to start the 2025 season on the PUP list with an undisclosed injury, former Steeler Mike Williams has decided to retire. That’s according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.
Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams’ agent, Tory Dandy, informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL. Williams walks away from the game at age 30. pic.twitter.com/f97JzkcYHj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
The 30-year-old receiver returned to the L.A. Chargers this offseason after signing in New York with the Jets to begin 2024. He was then traded to the Steelers midseason.
“I want what’s best for Mike. He’s always been there for us, and we’re going to be there for him,” quarterback Justin Herbert said, according to the team’s website. “I’ve got so much respect for him as a teammate, as a friend, as a receiver, as a player, and the man that he is.”
Williams spent his first seven years with the Chargers before being released in advance of the 2024 season. His career ends with 330 catches, 5,104 yards and 32 scores.
More news from L.A.
Also from the Chargers, head coach Jim Harbaugh had this to say about ex-Steeler Najee Harris showing up on the non-football injury list following a fireworks incident that resulted in an eye injury.
“’Naj’ is here; he’s in meetings. It’s great to have him,” Harbaugh said. “I’ve got kids that are these guys’ age. So, just the feeling of having everybody back under the same roof is a good feeling.”
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh confirmed that RB Najee Harris is in the building and participating in team meetings.
Los Angeles placed him on the NFI list today with the eye injury suffered in the 4th of July accident. pic.twitter.com/SehyrSP5n9
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) July 17, 2025
Harris’ agent Doug Hendrickson has stated that his client is “fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”
The 27-year-old running back signed a one-year deal with the Chargers in March after spending his first four seasons in Pittsburgh. He posted 1,043 yards with six touchdowns with the Steelers in 2024, adding another 283 receiving yards.
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Rebooting Rowdy
Rowdy Tellez has a new team. The ex-Pirates first baseman, designated hitter and frequent mop-up relief pitcher is getting called up to the Texas Rangers. That’s coming from the Dallas Morning News.
The 30-year-old has been with Triple-A Round Rock after starting the season with the Seattle Mariners. He hit only .208 with a .682 OPS in 185 plate appearances before being released by the Mariners.
The Morning-News reported that Tellez was at the club’s workout at Globe Life Field on Thursday, but has not been officially added yet to the 40-man roster. They open up the second half of the season with the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
Tellez and fellow call-up Justin Foscue are expected to platoon for injured first baseman Jake Burger. He’s going to miss 2-3 weeks with a quad injury.
Addison update
Ex-Pitt Panther Jordan Addison has made a legal decision in his looming DUI case.
The Vikings’ wide receiver was on the verge of going to trial this week, but now a plea arrangement has been made. That news was posted to social media by his agent, Tim Younger.
Addison has agreed to a lesser charge in an effort to settle the case. That lesser charge, via ProFootballTalk, “carries a sentence that includes a fine and mandates that Addison complete two online courses in order to end a probation period after six months.”
Now we will see what the NFL does. A three-game suspension is usually the result of driving-under-the-influence-related cases. Should that occur, Addison’s first game back will be against the Steelers in Ireland in Week 4.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
