Former Lions DT Haloti Ngata announces retirement on top of a freakin’ mountain

Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is hanging up his cleats.

The All Pro defensive tackle announced his retirement on Monday morning, and in typical Ngata fashion, he did it in an amazing way: atop freakin’ Mount Kilimanjaro.

Ngata ends his NFL career with 13 solid years in the league. His career accomplishments include making the Pro Bowl five times, being named All Pro five times, and a Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.

But his accomplishments weren’t just limited to his on-field play. Ngata was also nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2017 for his contributions to the community through his foundation.

Though his time in Detroit was relatively brief in the grand scheme of his career, he helped bridge the gap on the defensive line after the Lions lost Ndamukong Suh to free agency in 2015. In his three years with the Lions, Ngata had 33 tackles and 7.0 sacks, but he also helped provide guidance and leadership to a team that absolutely needed it. For his entire career, Ngata racked up 519 tackles, 32.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and five interceptions.

We all wish Ngata the best in retirement. He’ll have plenty of time to reflect on a fantastic career—and climb all the mountains he wants to.