Four-time Pro Bowl guard Richie Incognito announces retirement

"Since I played my first snap at 12 years old, nothing in my life was more important than football. The game always came first," Incognito wrote in a letter announcing his retirement on Friday. "Football has taught me a strong work ethic, a willing to get better every day and a desire to continue growing. It has taught me that while what you get is important, who you become is more important. All of these lessons I'll take with me into the next chapter. ... Because today, I'm officially retiring from the NFL."

Another prominent offensive lineman — former Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs tackle Mitchell Schwartz — announced his retirement on Thursday. Neither Schwartz nor Incognito played during the 2021 season, as the latter was cut by the Raiders in March and re-signed to a one-year deal two weeks later, but spent the entire campaign on injured reserve with a calf strain.

While Incognito enjoyed a solid career that included four Pro Bowl honors in five seasons between 2012-17, the 39-year-old's image was also tarnished through numerous controversies and he gained a reputation as being one of the dirtier players in the NFL.

In November 2013, ESPN reported on the guard's alleged role in bullying and harassment of Miami Dolphins teammate Jonathan Martin. The Dolphins eventually suspended Incognito indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team and he sat out the 2014 season.

After checking himself into an Arizona treatment facility and spending months in therapy, Incognito signed with the Buffalo Bills in February 2015. He spent three seasons with the Bills and two with the Raiders to conclude his career.