Longtime Browns guard Joel Bitonio retires after 12 seasons - ESPN

Longtime Cleveland Browns left guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement Tuesday after 12 seasons in the NFL.

Bitonio, 34, spent his entire career in Cleveland, which selected him with the 35th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Bitonio was named to seven Pro Bowls, tied with Myles Garrett for the fourth most in team history.

Bitonio said at a news conference Tuesday that it was important to him to spend his entire career with the Browns.

«I learned to appreciate everyone who helped me on this amazing journey,» Bitonio said. «I learned what an honor and privilege it is to be able to wear that orange helmet and what this team means to the fans. I learned how hard it is to say goodbye. I had a good idea back in January that this was the end for me, but this place is so special that it was hard to truly say goodbye. I'm so glad I got to learn and be a Cleveland Brown my entire career.»

Bitonio also was named first-team All-Pro in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Bitonio was named the Browns' Walter Payton Man of the Year, and he was the team's Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award winner twice (2018, 2023).

«Truthfully, as time passed and my career kept going, there was never a point where I could envision myself in a different uniform,» Bitonio wrote in a farewell letter. «Wearing that orange helmet and being part of this franchise — from getting drafted to signing three contracts — I felt a loyalty to the Browns, and it gave me a sense of pride to represent a fan base who is consistently loyal to us. I started the job here, and once I got to a certain point, I knew I wanted to finish the job in Cleveland.

»Now that job is finished. After 12 seasons of wearing No. 75 in brown and orange, I have officially decided to retire."

Bitonio's 178