Veteran guard Joel Bitonio (R) made 178 starts for the Cleveland Browns from 2014 through 2025. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
June 9 (UPI) -- Longtime Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio will retire after 12 seasons, he announced Tuesday. He had become an unrestricted free agent in March.
Bitonio, a second-round pick by the Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft, made 178 starts during his decorated tenure. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection.
"When I looked at my career and all that I had achieved -- the All-Pros, Pro Bowls, snap streaks and playoff appearances -- there was only one thing left that I still hoped to accomplish: a Super Bowl," Bitonio wrote in a letter on the Browns website.
"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. 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."
