Alan Faneca announces retirement

Nine-time Pro Bowler Alan Faneca has announced that he is retiring from the NFL. During Faneca's 15 year career he made nine pro-bowls, and helped the Steelers capture Super  Bowl XL. He was also named to the the NFL's 2000's All-Decade Team and was named to the All-Time Steelers team. 


Faneca left the Steelers after the 2007 season and was upset that he did not receive a contract extension from the Steelers. He signed with the New York Jets and finished his career in Arizona. Faneca will always be remembered as one of the greatest offensive lineman of his era and should be a future Hall of Famer. 


Faneca was a very durable lineman and was very versatile. Although his natural position is guard, he filled in at left tackle in the 2003 season because of injuries. I'll always personally remember him for being one of the best pulling guards I've ever seen. 


Even more impressive is the fact that Faneca overcame epilepsy, a condition he discovered he had at age 15, to have what may some day become a Hall of Fame career in pro football.

Here is Faneca's statement:

"After a lot of thought I am announcing my retirement from Professional Football. Playing in the NFL has been a childhood dream come true. Thirteen years later I have decided that it is time to move on.

"From the dog days of training camp to winning a Super Bowl the memories are endless. The greatest memory that I will leave the game with is all of the lifelong friendships I have made

"I want to specifically thank the Steelers, Jets, and Cardinals. Each and every teammate, coach and front office employee has made a lasting impact on my life. It was a pleasure playing for first class organizations who surrounded me with incredibly dedicated individuals. I want to thank each of the beat writers that covered me throughout my career. These guys work hard and always treated me with respect. I want to also thank the fans. The roar of the crowd kept me going more than the fans will ever know.

"It is time to move on to the next chapter in my life. I can't wait to spend more time with my family. Playing in this league for as long as I did takes sacrifice, not only by me, but by each of them. I want to thank Julie, Annabelle and Burton for allowing me to fulfill all of my boyhood dreams. I couldn't have done it without you."