Longtime Cleveland Browns left guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement Tuesday after 12 seasons in the NFL.
Bitonio, 34, spent his entire career in Cleveland, which selected him with the 35th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Bitonio was named to seven Pro Bowls, tied with Myles Garrett for the fourth most in team history.
Bitonio said at a news conference Tuesday that it was important to him to spend his entire career with the Browns.
"I learned to appreciate everyone who helped me on this amazing journey," Bitonio said. "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."