OT Monroe walks away after seven-year career

9:57 AM ET

Free-agent offensive tackle Eugene Monroe announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday.

“After 18 years, I am retiring from the game I love,” Monroe said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision to make, but I know it’s the right one for me, my health and my family. Thank you to my fans for your continued support, and to my friends and family for always standing by me. I’m excited about what’s to come.”

Monroe discussed his decision further in a post on The Players’ Tribune.

“The last 18 years have been full of traumatic injuries to both my head and my body,” he wrote. “I’m not complaining, just stating a fact. Has the damage to my brain already been done? Do I have CTE? I hope I don’t, but over 90% of the brains of former NFL players that have been examined showed signs of the disease. I am terrified.”

“That’s why one of the first things I’m planning to do is to go to the doctor,” he added. “I need to take stock of my current health, …

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