Antonio Cromartie announces retirement from NFL after 11 seasons

Antonio Cromartie has retired from the NFL.

The four-time Pro Bowl player last played Oct. 2, 2016, while with the Colts. He was released two days later and was not signed by a team for the 2017 season.

"Today is the day I knew I would eventually have to face, but one I never wanted to accept. After 27 years of playing football, today I say farewell," Cromartie, 33, wrote, in part, in an Instagram post. "God blessed me with the opportunity to play in the NFL for 11 years, and after much consideration and prayer, I’d like to officially announce my retirement."

 

Today is the day I️ knew I️ would eventually have to face, but one I never wanted to accept. After 27 years of playing football, today I say farewell. God blessed me with the opportunity to play in the NFL for 11 years, and after much consideration and prayer, I’d like to officially announce my retirement. Throughout my career so many people have helped strengthen and guide me. I’d love to send my sincere thanks to my Coaching Staff, Trainers, Chaplains and Fellow Teammates. To my agents Gary Wichard (Rest Easy G), and Ben Dorga, thank you for not only guiding me throughout my career, but also for making me feel like family and not a client. To The San Diego Chargers and the Spanos Family, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for taking a chance on a young kid from Tallahassee, Florida who did not play much in college. You believed in my ability and my potential to play at a professional level, and I️ will forever be grateful. To all the Charger Fans; thank you for your love, your support and never giving up on me throughout my career. To my "Bird Gang Family, “The Arizona Cardinals” and the Bidwell Family; although my time with you was short, I️ enjoyed my year there and I loved the opportunity you gave me. It was an honor to play for such a great organization. To my J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS, The Best NFL Team in New York, The Jets Organization. You became my home and my family. I grew as a player, a man, and as a leader. The brotherhood I️ built here was undeniable. My heart will forever embrace the feeling of running through the tunnel and out onto the field with my brothers. My family and I will forever Bleed Green. JETUP, JET NATION. To my lovely wife Terricka, thank you for your support through the ups and downs of my career. You were always there to encourage me, and push me. Because of you I became a better player, and a man. I thank God, for a praying wife for I know it was your prayers that sustained me, and protected me while I was on the field. As we take on this next chapter of our lives, I will hold onto your words.. “Football is your Platform Antonio; It’s Not Your Purpose”. The Time has Come for me to Focus on my Purpose. God Bless

A post shared by Antonio Cromartie (@antoniocromartie31) on Mar 5, 2018 at 7:31am PST

A first-round pick of the Chargers in 2006, Cromartie burst on the scene with 10 interceptions in his second season to earn his first Pro Bowl berth. The former Florida State cornerback retires with 31 career interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. He also returned a missed field goal an NFL-record 109 yards for a touchdown in 2007.

Cromartie left the Chargers after four seasons to join the Jets in 2010 and spent five seasons with Gang Green. Cromartie, who also played for the Cardinals, thanked each organization in his post.