Friday, it was reported that New York Jets lineman D’Brickashaw Ferguson was going to announce his retirement. He took to Twitter today to make that personal announcement to his fans.
Thank you for the numerous messages of support. It has been a blessing to be apart of the NYJ. My letter to you pic.twitter.com/hcIRk41QtM
— DBrickashaw Ferguson (@DBrickashaw) April 9, 2016
In the letter, Ferguson thanks everyone who supported him and helped him become “the best player I could be.” Later on he adds that at this point he’s ready to pursue other goals in his life because “there isn’t always a discernible point in professional sports where one must retire.”
D’Brickashaw, 32, played his entire career with the New York Jets after they drafted him with the fourth overall pick in the 2006 draft out of the University of Virginia. He’s a three-time pro bowler having made the Pro Bowl from 2009-2011 and was a member of the Pro Football Writers Association NFL All-Rookie Team back in 2006.
Ferguson has led a quietly successful career with no major off the field issues. What some people may not know, is he was the inspiration for the well known Key and Peele’s East-West College Bowl sketch, where the comedic duo imitate football players with absurd and comedic names.
The retirement announcement comes after Ferguson completed his 10th NFL season, having made 160 consecutive starts for the Jets and never missing a game. On top of that, he played 10,707 of 10,708 regular season offensive snaps during his career.
Ferguson ends his retirement letter by stating:
“I would like to thank every coach, every teammate, and every fan that has shown me support throughout my career. I sincerely thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”