Detroit Lions T.J. Lang officially announces retirement after 10 seasons

T.J. Lang’s NFL career is now officially over.

Reports first surfaced last week that Lang was going to retire, when the Detroit Free Press noted that those close to Lang had told the publication that he had “definitely” played his last game in the NFL.

Lang confirmed that on Friday afternoon with a Twitter post:

His statement reads:

“For the past 3,624 days I have woken up with one goal in mind-How can I be a better por football player than I was yesterday? Well, those days are now over. The only thing I ask myself today is how can I be a better husband, father, son, brother, friend. I will forever cherish the great times that I had playing this game. Thank you to the Green Bay Packers for taking a chance on a 21 year old kid and giving me the opportunity and patience to grow into a man and reach my full potential as a football player. Thank you Detroit Lions for granting me a chance to finish my career in the place that I call home. It would’ve been impossible to play this game for 10 years without great teammates, coaches, trainers, strength staff, doctors, agents, fans, family and friends. I thank each and every one of you for the unwavering support over the years. Whatever then (sic) next chapter holds, I hope to stay around the game in some capacity. It’s been an amazing ride. Thank you all for being a part of it.

Much love, #70/#76”

Lang leaves the NFL after 10 successful seasons—eight with the Packers and two with the Lions. His career accolades include 138 games played, 113 career starts, a Super Bowl ring, two trips to the Pro Bowl, and one hell of a web series.

Though Lang’s career was ultimately ended by a series of unfortunate injuries that included at least five concussions, hip surgery, back and neck problems, he’ll ultimately be remembered as being one of the best guards in the league during his era and having one of the best personalities in football.

Seeing as though he’s a local guy, hopefully this won’t be the end of Lang’s involvement with the Detroit Lions. As he pleaded to fans after being released earlier this month, we ask back of him: “Stay with them.”