NFL player Jerod Mayo announced that he is retiring from the NFL on Instagram Tuesday.
The New England Patriots linebacker confirmed the news that he is leaving the championship team and the league behind after eight seasons.
#VFL Jerod Mayo is retiring after an AWESOME 8-year NFL career! CONGRATS @jerod_mayo51 ! https://t.co/dAPecePgjj ???????? pic.twitter.com/w10RTYIOhr
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) February 17, 2016
According to his Instagram message , Jerod’s decision to retire from the NFL was not an impulsive decision made at the last minute.
“After a lot of thought [Mayo’s wife] Chantel and I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for what we consider a life changing event…..that of becoming a New England Patriot for the past 8 years.”
Jerod Mayo continued his retirement announcement by expressing gratitude for quite a few key members within the New England Patriots organization – including the head coach, president and owner.
“We are extremely grateful to ‘Thundercat’ [Patriots owner Robert Kraft], [Patriots president] Jonathan [Kraft], the Kraft family, Coach [Bill] Belichick, the Pats organization, and the most amazing fans in contributing to these pages of our lives. As my family and I prepare for the future be sure that the Pats memories will always hold a special place in our hearts. #51 JMayo.”
Jerod’s caption alone – “Retiring as a Patriot” – speaks volumes for fans, followers and critics that have been following his career and the current roster status of the New England Patriots.
According to ABC News , the Patriots were more than likely not going to keep Jerod Mayo on their team roster for the 2016-17 season at his cap number of $11.4 million. That figure alone placed Mayo at the top of the roster – placing him 2nd only to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
In addition, the reporter further stated that Mayo had an additional $4 million roster bonus heading his way in March.
The fact that he wants to retire “as a Patriot” likely meant that Jerod Mayo wanted to leave the NFL with the same team that first welcomed him while he still had the chance to do so.
Jerod Mayo was first signed to the New England Patriots after being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft.
The two-time Pro Bowl player was able to build an impressive list of awards and accolades throughout his career – including the AP NFL and PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards in 2008.
However, his career was also plagued with quite a few injuries as well. Mayo sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the Patriots’ 2009 season-opening game against the Buffalo Bills. He missed a few games during the 2011 season, but still managed to surpass the 100-tackle mark – helping the Patriots to make it to Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants the same year.
Jerod Mayo tore his pectoral muscle in October of 2013 in an intense game against the New Orleans Saints as well as his patellar tendon in October of the following year.
Last month, days before Mayo was set to play with the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, he was placed on the injured reserve list because of a shoulder injury.
Quite a few people have honored Jerod Mayo and bid their farewell to the Patriots linebacker on Twitter since he first announced his retirement Tuesday – including fans, critics and teammates.
Vince Wilfork just posted a nice note about Jerod Mayo on his Instagram account pic.twitter.com/jwVkupQ0PV
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) February 17, 2016
Congratulations to Jerod Mayo, who announced tonight he’s retiring a #Patriot . One of the best people I’ve covered. pic.twitter.com/juOtR6qEIn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2016
Salute to Jerod Mayo. Great guy, great family man, heck of a career and all the best in the next chapter…
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) February 17, 2016
As of now, I’m told Patriots LB Jerod Mayo doesn’t plan to coach, though he’s certainly capable. Has business interests he’ll dive into.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 17, 2016
Only time will tell where the future will take Jerod Mayo. However, his past history in the NFL will definitely be cherished and talked about by sports fans for many years to come.
[Image Credit: Elsa/Getty Images]