After spending 12 seasons in the NFL, Joel Bitonio has finally decided to call it a day. The longtime Cleveland Browns guard, known for his consistency, is a seven-time Pro Bowler.

The 6’4”, 320 lbs graduated from the Nevada Wolf Pack and was drafted by the Browns in 2014 as their second round pick.NFL insider Ari Meirov broke the news of his retirement on his X handle.

"Former #Browns 7x Pro Bowl and 5x All-Pro G Joel Bitonio is retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons," wrote Meirov.

Writing for the Browns' official website, Bitonio said he never truly saw himself playing for another franchise. The veteran offensive lineman said he developed a strong sense of loyalty to Cleveland and wanted to finish the career he started with the Browns.

"Truthfully, as time passed and my career kept going, there was never a point where I could envision myself in a different uniform," Bitonio wrote. "I started the job here, and once I got to a certain point, I knew I wanted to finish the job in Cleveland."

Bitonio officially announced his retirement in the same message, bringing an end to a 12-year career spent entirely with the Browns.

According to AP news, he started all 17 games last season and played 1,027 offensive snaps. As per ESPN, he is ranked third among 65 qualifying guards in pass block win rate. Moreover, he is ranked 16th among 62 guards in run block win percentage in 2025.

Bitonio spent a long time with the Browns. Given his long association, he looked back on his days in Cleveland fondly.

Joel Bitonio Looks Back On His Career With Cleveland

Bitonio sat with the media right after his official decision to retire.

He said he always felt grateful to the Browns for believing in him early in his career. The veteran lineman recalled the trust the organization showed after drafting him.

"Yeah, I was always appreciative of the team drafting you," said Bitonio. "I got picked in the second round, and I played here, and early in my career, they really trusted me even though I knew I was injured, Mr. [Dee] Haslam said there was a question, and I always wanted to prove them right."

For Bitonio, that orange helmet had become part of his identity. General Manager Andrew Barry also gave him high praise, as per NFL.com.

"Joel Bitonio set the standards for on-field excellence, professionalism, and loyalty during his 12-year career with our organization," said Barry.

Berry highlighted the gratitude Bitonio felt toward everyone connected to the franchise, from the ownership group to the fans who supported him throughout his career in Cleveland.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Rudra Dubey