Longtime Steelers scout Mark Gorscak — known as combine’s 40-yard dash starter — to retire

Chris Adamski | Tuesday, May 16, 2023 3:59 p.m.

Pittsburgh Steelers scout Mark Gorscak speaks to the linebackers before they run the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL combine in Indianapolis. Gorscak, who in this photo is wearing a No. 50 #Shalieve shirt to honor injured linebacker Ryan Shazier, is set to retire after more than 28 years with the Steelers.

One of the longest-tenured employees of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football operations is set to retire.

College scout Mark Gorscak announced his pending retirement via a social-media post. Gorscak spent 28 years with the Steelers, the first three of which were as the team’s BLESTO scout.

The team has not yet formally announced Gorscak’s retirement but is planning to soon. Gorscak was at the Steelers’ UPMC Rooney Sports Complex facility during rookie minicamp this past weekend.

“I am graduating after 28 years in the NFL, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers!” a Tuesday afternoon Twitter post by Gorscak read. “All great years and experiences!”

pic.twitter.com/u0lx15ZgL4

— Mark Gorscak (@gors55) May 16, 2023

A native of Donora, Gorscak is like most scouts in that he’s largely anonymous to Steelers fans — except Gorscak has had an annual claim to fame. He’s been front and center at the marquee event at one of the NFL’s most-watched offseason events. Gorscak served as the “starter” for the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine over the past two decades, helping draft prospects get lined up for a run that potentially would gain notice of teams and help them go up draft boards.

“Everyone knows I do the 40,” Gorscak told Steelers.com in 2022. “People know me because of it.”

Inducted into the Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, Gorscak was a college and high school coach for 16 years before joining the Steelers. At last year’s combine, he was presented with C.O. Brocato Memorial Award for Lifetime Service to NFL Scouting.

“I grew up here,” Gorscak told Steelers.com at the time. “To be able to be working for the Steelers is a dream come true. It’s a special part of the fabric of the city. Everything runs around the Steelers. It’s a football town. It means a lot. It’s a lot of pride.”

College Scout Mark Gorscak has been keeping athletes focused at the 40-yard dash for 14 years at the #NFLCombine. pic.twitter.com/nBpEl5ESFH

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 6, 2017

Among those who responded to Gorscak’s post Tuesday was Cameron Heyward, the Steelers’ current longest-tenured player and defensive captain.

“No Mark say it ain’t so!” Heyward posted.

Gorscak responded he is still open to “other football opportunities.”

“I am at the stage in my life where I am seeking Creativity and New Challenges,” Gorscak wrote after thanking many of the people he has worked alongside and players he has scouted.

“Got Suggestions – Contact Me!”

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