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Veteran NFL Tight End Announces His Retirement At 31

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Dec 4, 2024 4:30 PM ET

A one-time Pro Bowl tight end and former first round pick officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday.

Eric Ebron, who last played in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021, is hanging up his cleats. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft for the Detroit Lions out of UNC, Ebron played a total of eight seasons for three different franchises.

Ebron announced his retirement on Instagram, including photos of himself in college, with the Lions, the Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts.

"A Career Is A Career!! Im Proud Of Me! Thankful for everyone along this journey . #Retired," Ebron wrote in the caption.

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A post shared by Eric Ebron (@ericebron)

In actuality, Ebron revealed his plans on Tuesday in an Instagram video for To The Baha, which appears to be an upcoming podcast or show.

"I'm officially retiring and I can't wait to step into this new world and let people understand how big and how smart my brain actually is, in this game of football or just in life in general," Ebron said in the video.

For his career, Ebron appeared in 106 games over eight seasons and finished with 351 receptions, 3,837 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns. He also scored three rushing touchdowns.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 22: Eric Ebron #85 of the Pittsburgh Steelers waves to fans after the Steelers' 27-3 win during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Ebron's best season came in 2018 with the Colts, when he posted career-highs in all three major receiving categories, recording 66 catches for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The former Tar Heel was named to the Pro Bowl for his efforts and also added eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown in two playoff games for Indianapolis that year.

Overall, Ebron played in five playoff contests in his career, logging 20 receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

We'd like to congratulate Ebron on a successful run in the NFL and wish him the best in retirement.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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