Browns release JC Tretter, union president; meeting Watson

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The Cleveland Browns released center JC Tretter, who was recently re-elected as president of the NFL Players Association, while the team accelerated its pursuit of controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Tretter spent five seasons with Cleveland as a dependable leader and anchor of one of the league's best offensive lines. The 31-year-old played through some serious leg injuries during while playing in 80 games.

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Tretter also played a major role in the union setting protocols with the league during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was unanimously re-elected to a second term on Friday.

"For the past five seasons, JC has been a mainstay and iron man at center for us," said Browns general manager Andrew Berry. "He came to our organization at a time of instability and was one of the key veterans that helped turn the tide over the past several years.

"His leadership — both within the locker room and the field — will be missed."

Tretter posted "A letter to Cleveland" on Twitter thanking the people who work behind the scenes, the team's training and strength and conditioning staffs and his teammates, singling out All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio.

"You are the heart of the Cleveland Browns," Tretter said to Bitonio. "It has been my pleasure to play next to you for five years and I look forward to the day you are put in the ring of honor with the other Browns greats."

FILE - Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter plays against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sept. 19, 2021, in Cleveland. Tretter has been re-elected for a second term as president of the NFL Players Association. The