Legendary Guard Joel Bitonio Announces NFL Retirement
Veteran NFL guard Joel Bitonio has announced his retirement, a move that comes just weeks before the Cleveland Browns intensify their preparations for the upcoming season. Bitonio, who spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Browns, played in 178 regular-season games and became a foundational player for the franchise.
The 34-year-old’s decision creates a significant gap on the Browns’ offensive line as the team prepares for head coach Todd Monken’s inaugural season at the helm.
Bitonio Reflects on Career and Future Ambitions
In an emotional statement, Bitonio shared his thought process leading up to the announcement. “Heading into the 2025 season, I was fairly confident it would be my last,” he said. “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 veteran guard revealed that despite his extensive career achievements, one unfulfilled ambition remained: winning a Super Bowl. “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,” Bitonio stated.
Gratitude to Cleveland and the Browns Organization
Bitonio expressed profound gratitude for his time in Cleveland, emphasizing his desire for his NFL career to begin and end with the Browns. “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,” he remarked.
He extended his thanks to the city of Cleveland, the dedicated fanbase, the Haslam family, and the entire Browns organization for their “12 years of unwavering support and unforgettable memories.”
