DENVER, Colo. -- Ryan Clady attracted suitors for months as a free agent. Ultimately, he chose a different path.
The former Broncos All-Pro left tackle announced his retirement on Twitter on Tuesday, ending a memorable career.
"Despite having several teams who are currently interested in signing me, I have made the difficult decision to retire," Clady said. "I have deliberated on this decision thoroughly until now because I wanted to see if the beginning of NFL camps would inspire the passion that I need to perform at the standards that I established for my for myself."
Clady, 30, arrived in Denver as the 12th overall pick in the 2008 draft. He started all 16 games as a rookie, establishing a potential template for current first-rounder Garett Bolles. Clady, a former Boise State star, made the Pro Bowl in 2009, '11, '12 and '14. He earned All-Pro honors in 2009 and 2012.
"A great player for the Broncos for many years--as dominant as there was as an LT in pass pro. Congrats on an outstanding career, Ryan!" tweeted Broncos general manger John Elway.
Clady's career became star-crossed by health issues. He played in only two games in 2013 after suffering a Lisfranc injury against the New York Giants. He missed the entire 2105 season when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 after tearing his ACL during a non-contact drill in OTAs.
Clady spent last season with the New York Jets, playing in nine games before a shoulder injury shelved him. The Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks were among those teams interested in Clady this offseason. In the end, he chose to walk away from a career defined by his time with the Broncos.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, my friends and my representation for all of their support through the years," Clady said. "I would also like to thank all of my coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout my football career at all levels. I would especially like to thank Pat Bowlen and the Denver Broncos organization for bringing me into the NFL. I was blessed to experience eight great years, 4 Pro Bowls and a World Championship with that organization. I am excited about what life holds for me going forward."
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