Browns guard Joel Bitonio announced Tuesday is retirement for the the NFL after 12 seasons, all with Cleveland.
Bitonio, 34, held a press conference, saying in part, "I learned to appreciate everyone who helped me on this amazing journey. I learned what an honor and privilege it is to be able to wear that orange helmet and what this team means to the fans. I learned how hard it is to say goodbye. I had a good idea back in January that this was the end for me, but this place is so special that it was hard to truly say goodbye. I'm so glad I got to learn and be a Cleveland Brown my entire career."
Bitonio's contract voided in March, meaning he was technically a free aganet ahead of Tuesday's announcement, but he said he informed the franchise in January that he was seriously considering retirement and that if he changed his mind, the only team he would play for was the Browns.
Bitonio was a second-round pick out of Nevada in 2014, 35th overall. He started immediately and was a mainstay at guard, missing only 16 career games to injury. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls, was a two-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time Second Team. His 178 games played are the most of any Browns player since the franchise relaunched in 1999.
Zion Johnson, a former Charger who started 66 games in four seasons, was acquired in free agency to take over Bitonio's left guard spot.
My take: A terrific player. Kudos on a great career. I appreciate his loyalty to the Browns and his desire to play for only one team. Johnson's a good player, but not anywhere near Bitonio's level.
THE ASYLUM
Browns guard Bitonio retires
Browns guard Joel Bitonio announced Tuesday is retirement for the the NFL after 12 seasons, all with Cleveland.
Bitonio, 34, held a press conference, saying in part, "I learned to appreciate everyone who helped me on this amazing journey. I learned what an honor and privilege it is to be able to wear that orange helmet and what this team means to the fans. I learned how hard it is to say goodbye. I had a good idea back in January that this was the end for me, but this place is so special that it was hard to truly say goodbye. I'm so glad I got to learn and be a Cleveland Brown my entire career."
Bitonio's contract voided in March, meaning he was technically a free aganet ahead of Tuesday's announcement, but he said he informed the franchise in January that he was seriously considering retirement and that if he changed his mind, the only team he would play for was the Browns.
Bitonio was a second-round pick out of Nevada in 2014, 35th overall. He started immediately and was a mainstay at guard, missing only 16 career games to injury. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls, was a two-time First-Team All-Pro and three-time Second Team. His 178 games played are the most of any Browns player since the franchise relaunched in 1999.
Zion Johnson, a former Charger who started 66 games in four seasons, was acquired in free agency to take over Bitonio's left guard spot.
My take: A terrific player. Kudos on a great career. I appreciate his loyalty to the Browns and his desire to play for only one team. Johnson's a good player, but not anywhere near Bitonio's level.
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