With all the surprises that were delivered around the NFL Tuesday, Jason Worilds has pulled another. The Steelers free agent linebacker announced early Wednesday morning that he was leaving football.

And the Steelers believe he means it.

Steelers sources told the Post-Gazette on Wednesday that they believe Worilds, who became an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday, is serious about walking away from football at the age of 27 to work for his religion, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and that there is no hidden agenda involved in his decision.

“I appreciate all of the interest from the organizations that have reached out to us the past few days,” Worilds wrote on Twitter. “With that being said, after much thought & consideration I have chosen to step away from football as I have opted to pursue other interests.

“I am especially grateful of the opportunity to play before some of the greatest fans in football today. Despite any concern and speculation that may ensue, I appreciate those that are respectful of my decision.”

The Steelers issued a statement Wednesday that said, “We respect his decision to retire and thank him for his five years in Pittsburgh. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Worilds, who made nearly $10 million with the Steelers last season, was considered one of the top free agent outside linebackers on the market. Yet it was curious when free agency began at 4 p.m. Tuesday that there was no word on any potential signings or even team visits mentioned for him.

While the start of NFL free agency soared in a series of blockbuster trades and big-time player signings, the Steelers took on the look of neutrality.

They signed no one, they released no one, they traded no one, they lost no one.

Thus, they followed a blueprint that has been a hallmark of theirs in the first few hours of free agency, by looking over the field and patiently waiting for things to develop.

At 4 p.m. Tuesday, eight of their players became unrestricted free agents.