NFL veteran Joel Bitonio has announced his retirement from the NFL – just weeks before the Cleveland Browns step up their preparations for the new season.
Bitonio spent his entire career with Cleveland, playing in 178 regular-season games over 12 seasons and establishing himself as one of the cornerstones of the franchise.
The 34-year-old guard now leaves a big void in the Browns offensive line as Todd Monken builds towards his first season in charge.
‘Heading into the 2025 season, I was fairly confident it would be my last,’ Bitonio said in an emotional statement.Â
‘After the 2025 season came to an end… I was contemplating my decision, thinking about how I have been playing football for 23 years of my life – including 12 in the NFL.’
The 34-year-old continued: ‘When I looked at my career and all that I had achieved… there was only one thing left that I still hoped to accomplish: a Super Bowl.Â
Legendary Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio has announced his retirement from the NFL
‘A small part of me thought about wanting to chase that dream, but at the end of the day, my heart was set on being a Cleveland Brown for life.Â
‘This city was where my NFL career was supposed to start and finish. For that dream to be a reality, I could not be more grateful.
‘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.’
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