:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47472808/GettyImages-103651349.0.jpg)
On Monday evening, former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley announced what many Packers fans had expected for some time - he is officially hanging up his pads and retiring from the NFL.
Finley has not played a snap of football since suffering a neck injury during week six of the 2013 season. After that injury, he was placed on injured reserve and was never cleared to play after attempting to recover and return to the NFL.
Finley's career spanned six NFL seasons. He played in 70 games (48 starts), catching 223 passes for 2,785 yards, a 12.5-yard average, and 20 touchdowns. He also added 15 receptions for 241 yards in four career playoff games.
Finley announced his retirement in an emotional fashion on Twitter on Monday night. Here are his comments:
Forever grateful to have had the opportunity to play for the best organization, w/ the best coaching staff in the National Football League..
— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) October 19, 2015
...Im also grateful to have had the opportunity to catch balls on Sundays from the greatest quarterback #12 along side the best teammates...
— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) October 19, 2015
To the Green Bay Packer Fans: Thank you for 6 unbelievable years & unforgettable memories. You guys made my dreams come true. Go Pack Go
— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) October 19, 2015
#Retirement pic.twitter.com/lvKMcP4HYp
— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) October 19, 2015
We at Acme Packing Company send our best wishes to you, Jermichael, in your post-football life.