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Miami Dolphinshead coach Joe Philbin announced the retirement of guard Eric Steinbachtoday. Steinbach signed as a free agent this offseason with the Dolphins after sitting out all of 2011 with a back injury. The Dolphins were hoping Steinbach would be able to shore up the right side of the offensive line.
Steinbach played four years with the Cincinnati Bengals and four years with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns released him in March after he spent 2011 on injured reserve rehabbing his back. Steinbach played in 125 games in his career, with 124 starts.
He was courted by several teams this offseason, including the Baltimore Ravens. Steinbach passed all physicals and health checks prior to signing with the Dolphins, but he was never able to regain his form. The lack of ability to perform at his normal level was seen in last night's episode of HBO's Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Miami Dolphins, when Steinbach met with Philbin to discuss his progress.
Steinbach played college football at Iowa, where he was recruited as a tight end. Philbin, then Iowa's offensive line coach, converted Steinbach into a tackle and a guard.