Joel Bitonio has hung up his cleats after 12 years and retired as a career Cleveland Browns player. During his retirement press conference, the former guard reminisced about his career and shared an anecdote about a former quarterback.

“I sat next to John Greco in meetings. He taught me how to be a pro, take notes the right way, and play guard,” Bitinio said on June 9. “I was drafted the same year as Johnny Manziel, and we actually roomed together. I learned some things not to do from him, I got the opportunity to play with and learn from so many guys.”

The Browns picked Bitonio 35th overall in the 2014 draft. Johnny Manziel, their former quarterback, was picked 22nd overall. The QB, nicknamed ‘Johnny Football,’ was the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in college. 

His NFL career, however, never replicated his college success. After a series severe of off-feild issues and mental health struggles, he was released from the Browns in 2016. Manziel exited the pro league after playing just 14 games with 1,675 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns. 

Bitonio became an integral cornerstone for years that followed and played with the ever-changing Browns’ quarterback roster. The 34-year-old played for 12 seasons in the NFL and received seven consecutive Pro Bowl invites. He ranks fourth in the franchise history for most Pro Bowl selections. 

His exit is not a surprise to the Browns or fans. He pushed back his contract deadline this offeseaon to gain time to reflect on his retirement or free agency, his other option. The franchise waited for an answer for a long time this offseason.

Bitonio has made his decision known at last and built a case for Hall of Fame induction. 

Joel Bitonio Reveals His Take On Guards Receiving HOF Honors

Joel Bitonio is retiring from the NFL after playing for only the Cleveland Browns for 12 years. In a press conference, he made a short but direct statement on his Hall of Fame candidacy.

“There aren't enough guards and centers in the Hall of Fame,” he said in the interaction over 30 minutes.

A University of Nevada alumnus, Bitonio, believes that the Pro Football Hall of Fame needs to honor these positions, overlooked due to "since they don't record stats," as reported by Sports Illustrated.

In their June 10 analysis, SI weighed in on what could keep him or push him out of Canton.

"Bitonio was a key factor in the Browns' offensive line being among the best in the NFL from 2020 to 2023, and Cleveland made the playoffs twice in that span," Daniel Fisher wrote.

However, some reasons disrupt his campaign, and they are also related to his playoff appearances.

He "played 10 losing seasons with the Browns and made only two playoff appearances. He was part of one playoff win in 2020, although he missed that game due to COVID-19."

A former longtime Browns’ left guard, Biotono started 178 games since his debut, and missed only two games since 2016. On June 9, the Browns bid good bye to a player who stood through many ups and downs.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar