Veteran NFL lineman Richie Incognito has officially announced his retirement from the league today after 12 seasons due to several medical issues. Incognito sent a tweet to the NFLPA today that simply said, "I'm done," but he provided a more in-depth explanation to The Buffalo News, citing liver and kidney issues, as well as stress.
"I'm done, I'm done, that's it," Incognito told The Buffalo News. "It's been a long career. My liver and kidneys are shutting down. Nothing I can't restore with some balance, but the stress is killing me.
"I went to a doctor's appointment the other day and they said, 'Listen, the stress is killing you, what are you doing?' And I said, 'Listen, I'm just doing what I love and that's playing football.' So that's why I'm done."
According to ESPN, Incognito took a $1.675 million pay cut last month to remain with the Buffalo Bills for the final season of a three-year contract he signed in 2016. He will now earn $4.75 million in 2018.
The 34-year old left guard said the pay cut "pissed him the fuck off," but it's not the reason he's retiring from football.
"It pisses me the f--- off," Incognito told The Buffalo News about his pay cut. "The contract and all that pissed me the f--- off and all that, but (retiring) has nothing do do with that."
In 12 seasons, Incognito was named to four Pro Bowls, including each of the last three seasons with the Bills.