It looks like Buffalo Bills left guard Richie Incognito is done with professional football. The 34-year-old announced on Tuesday that he will retire after spending 12 years in the NFL due to medical issues.
“I’m done. That’s it. It’s been a long career,” – said Incognito to the Buffalo News on Tuesday. “Went to the doctor. My liver and kidneys are shutting down. The stress is killing me. It’s just about doing what’s right. I just want to be in the Hall of Fame.“
Incognito also went on Twitter and confirmed his decision.
@nflpa @GeorgeAtallah
I’m done 😜— Richie Incognito (@68INCOGNITO) April 10, 2018
Previously, Sports Illustrated reported that Incognito is “strongly considering retiring,” but might decide to return for a final season if the Bills offer him enough money. The MMQB’s Peter King reported that the player is still in talks with the organization about the new contract and has time until Sunday to change his mind.
If Richie Incognito indeed retires, that would mean that the Buffalo Bills have to undertake a serious reconstruction of their offensive line. The team previously traded left tackle Cordy Glenn to the Cincinnati Bengals, while center Eric Wood retired earlier in the year due to a neck injury.
Richie Incognito entered the league in 2005 when he was taken in the third round of that year’s draft by the St. Louis Rams. After four years with the Rams, he had a short stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2009, before signing with the Miami Dolphins. In 2015 he rejoined the Bills and further raised the level of his play, earning himself three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
