Former Steelers offensive lineman Justin Strzelczyk was killed when the pickup truck he was driving this morning crashed into a tractor trailer during a high-speed chase with police near Utica, N.Y.

Sources said Strzelczyk led New York state police on a chase for a half hour, during which time he threw an empty beer bottle at pursuing troopers, blew out a tire on his vehicle and drove on the wrong side of Interstate 90 before crashing. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Strzelczyk played for the Steelers for 10 years after being drafted in the 11th round of the 1990 National Football League draft following a collegiate career at the University of Maine.

An off-field injury ended his professional football career. In retirement he had been playing for the Pittsburgh Celebrity Hockey Team.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.