National Football League

Alan Faneca announces retirement

Published May. 10, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Nine-time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca of the Arizona Cardinals announced his retirement Tuesday.

"After a lot of thought I am announcing my retirement from Professional Football. Playing in the NFL has been a childhood dream come true," he said in a statement, according to the Arizona Republic. "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.”

The durable interior offensive lineman, who started 144 straight games dating back to the 2001 season, was originally selected in the first round of the 1998 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Faneca, who also played for the Jets during his 13 seasons, played just one for the Cardinals. His contract expired after the 2010 season.

"It is time to move on to the next chapter in my life. I can't wait to spend more time with my family," the statement said, according to the newspaper. "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."