After 12 years with the Cleveland Browns and in the league, Joel Bitonio said goodbye to his pro career on Tuesday. 

The second-round pick of the Browns during the 2014 NFL draft spent the entirety of his NFL career with the Browns. Head coach Todd Monken spoke fondly about Bitonio to the media after his retirement.

“12 years, 178 starts, seven Pro-Bowls, five All-Pros. He’s one of the rare guys that ended his career with everything his body could give,” said Monken. “Special. I think the word for him is special.”

Monken continued saying that he believed Bitonio still wants to continue playing if his body would allow him to. He praised the Browns’ guard for continuing to play in the NFL at a high level despite the physical constraints. 

Joel Bitonio posted a farewell letter of sorts on his social media titled “A Cleveland Brown for Life”. 

“After 12 seasons of wearing No. 75 in brown and orange, I have officially decided to retire,” wrote Bitonio in his letter. “To the city of Cleveland, our loyal fanbase, the Haslam family and the entire Browns organization. Thank you. Thank you for 12 years of unwavering support and unforgettable memories.”

Per Athlon Sports, no other player on the Browns’ current roster has spent more seasons with the team than Bitonio.

Monken, who’s in his first year with the Browns, appreciated Bitonio by saying that he always had the "right thing" to say. Monken added that when it comes to owning the team and supporting his teammates, coaches and organization, Bitonio scored an A+ grade. 

The head coach concluded with best wishes for the former guard and hopefully will see Bitonio being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Browns Veteran Joel Bitonio Reflects on His Retirement Decision

After announcing his retirement on social media, the Browns’ guard Joel Bitonio met with the media during his retirement press conference. 

“The decision was made, like me and (general manager) Andrew had a conversation before free agency. We signed three interior linemen on the first day of free agency,” said Bitonio when asked about when the decision to retire was made.

Bitonio added, “Me and AB had already discussed that I was going to retire and I was finishing up my career. It was really just the timing of the announcement.”

Bitonio revealed that he hasn’t made any plans yet for his professional journey after his football-playing days. He stated that he wants to spend time with his family. 

Bitonio concluded by saying that he and his family will “always be fans of the Browns” and the community and called Cleveland “a special place” for the Bitonio family.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore