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A long-time member of the Patriots' offensive line announced his retirement on Monday.
James Ferentz, who spent his last seven NFL seasons in New England, posted the following to his Instagram:
"After taking the time to collect my thoughts and speaking with my wife Skylar, I've decided to retire from playing football. Some of the best advice I have received was "concise is nice." I will attempt my best to do that. I would like to apologize in advance to anyone who I don't name, please understand that it doesn't take away from your contributions or my appreciation for your impact on my career.
Thank you to all my teammates, from Iowa City High, lowa, Houston, Denver, and New England. The bond and love is truly what football is about and why we all play. My teammates at every stop prove that theory true. Thank you all!
To my coaches and teachers at low City High School, thank you for helping kindle my passion for football and lay the foundation for the work ethic it takes to succeed.
To my coaches at the University of lowa, thank you for taking me from an immature teenager to shaping me into the man I am today. From my dad, Reese Morgan, and my brother Brian teaching me the fundamentals of offensive line play, to Chris Doyle teaching me the fundamentals of training and living the right way, thank you. To Marvin Sims for having patience and guidance in opening my eyes to all those around me and the incredible support system that was responsible for any sort of success I may have ever had. May you rest in peace and thank you.
To the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots organizations, thank you for the combined ten years of my career. Thank you to Bill O'Brien, Gary Kubiak, and Bill Belichick for giving me the opportunity to play pro football when no one else would. To Dante Scarnecchia, thank you for helping me get the best from myself. A special thank you to the towns of Foxboro and Norfolk Massachusetts, where my family luckily has called home for the past seven years. Thank you to all the wonderful people we have met along the way.
Thank you to my Mom and Dad. We don't get to pick our parents but I couldn't have been luckier. You have always said football accomplishments are not what makes you proud, but I hope the man you and football shaped me into does. To my unwavering support and love from my siblings Brian, Kelly, Joanne, and Steve; thank you and I love you all.
Finally thank you to my loving wife Skylar. Without your support, none of this would have been possible. You lived and breathed every low, every high, and every snap with me. Your love and guidance made this journey the greatest. My only hope is our three boys, Forest, Lincoln, and Marshall each find a partner and best friend as special, caring, and loving as you."
Ferentz, 34, played college football at Iowa before going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent 2014 and 2015 in Houston with the Texans before joining the Broncos in 2015. Ferentz won two Super Bowls in his career -- one with Denver in 2015-16 and one with the Patriots in 2018-19. His father, Kirk, is the head coach at the University of Iowa and his brother, Brian, was their long-time offensive coordinator. Many have projected coaching to be in James' future.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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