Fans of the Cleveland Browns finally have some reasons for optimism about the future. Cleveland rebuilt their offensive line this offseason, building infrastructure for an eventual quarterback selection during the 2027 NFL Draft. But one Browns player just decided to hang up his cleats for good after the 2025 season.
Veteran guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 12 years in the league, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Bitonio penned an emotional letter on the team’s website to announce the news. He spent time thanking his friends, family, teammates, and coaches after a successful NFL career.
“Now that job is finished. After 12 seasons of wearing No. 75 in brown and orange, I have officially decided to retire,” Bitonio wrote.
The veteran guard considered retirement during the 2025 offseason. Ultimately, Bitonio decided to return for one more season to complete the three-year, $48 million extension he signed back in 2021.
Bitonio remained a free agent and had the opportunity to chase a Super Bowl with a contending team. Instead, he chose to retire as a Brown.
The Browns drafted Bitonio in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played all 12 years of his career in Cleveland, racking up an impressive number of accolades. Bitonio was a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All Pro selection at guard.
Bitonio was an iron man who the team could always depend on. In total, Bitonio missed just 18 games during his 12-year career in Cleveland.
“To the city of Cleveland, our loyal fanbase, the Haslam family and the entire Browns organization, thank you. Thank you for 12 years of unwavering support and unforgettable memories,” Bitonio concluded.
Fans of the Cleveland Browns finally have some reasons for optimism about the future. Cleveland rebuilt their offensive line this offseason, building infrastructure for an eventual quarterback selection during the 2027 NFL Draft. But one Browns player just decided to hang up his cleats for good after the 2025 season.
