Former Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie announced his retirement Monday, closing the book on an 11-year career in which he was selected to four Pro Bowls.
In a post on Instagram, the 33-year-old Cromartie wrote: "Today is the day I️ knew I️ would eventually have to face, but one I never wanted to accept. After 27 years of playing football, today I say farewell. God blessed me with the opportunity to play in the NFL for 11 years, and after much consideration and prayer, I’d like to officially announce my retirement."
He included a photo of him holding up his San Diego Chargers jersey and posing next to former coach Marty Schottenheimer just after being drafted in 2006.
Today is the day I️ knew I️ would eventually have to face, but one I never wanted to accept. After 27 years of playing football, today I say farewell. God blessed me with the opportunity to play in the NFL for 11 years, and after much consideration and prayer, I’d like to officially announce my retirement. Throughout my career so many people have helped strengthen and guide me. I’d love to send my sincere thanks to my Coaching Staff, Trainers, Chaplains and Fellow Teammates. To my agents Gary Wichard (Rest Easy G), and Ben Dorga, thank you for not only guiding me throughout my career, but also for making me feel like family and not a client. To The San Diego Chargers and the Spanos Family, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for taking a chance on a young kid from Tallahassee, Florida who did not play much in college. You believed in my ability and my potential to play at a professional level, and I️ will forever be grateful. To all the Charger Fans; thank you for your love, your support and never giving up on me throughout my career. To my "Bird Gang Family, “The Arizona Cardinals” and the Bidwell Family; although my time with you was short, I️ enjoyed my year there and I loved the opportunity you gave me. It was an honor to play for such a great organization. To my J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS, The Best NFL Team in New York, The Jets Organization. You became my home and my family. I grew as a player, a man, and as a leader. The brotherhood I️ built here was undeniable. My heart will forever embrace the feeling of running through the tunnel and out onto the field with my brothers. My family and I will forever Bleed Green. JETUP, JET NATION. To my lovely wife Terricka, thank you for your support through the ups and downs of my career. You were always there to encourage me, and push me. Because of you I became a better player, and a man. I thank God, for a praying wife for I know it was your prayers that sustained me, and protected me while I was on the field. As we take on this next chapter of our lives, I will hold onto your words.. “Football is your Platform Antonio; It’s Not Your Purpose”. The Time has Come for me to Focus on my Purpose. God Bless
A post shared by Antonio Cromartie (@antoniocromartie31) on
Cromartie was the 19th overall pick in that draft out of Florida State. He spent the first four years of his career in San Diego -- all ending in trips to the playoffs -- and led the NFL with 10 interceptions in his second season, when he was an All-Pro. However, his inconsistent performance on the field and legal troubles off it led the Chargers to trade him to the Jets in March 2010 for a second-round draft pick.
With the Jets, Cromartie teamed with Darrelle Revis to form one of the league's most feared cornerback tandems. Cromartie spent five of the next six seasons in New York, intercepting 13 passes, going to two Pro Bowls and playing on the 2010 team that reached the AFC championship game. The Jets released Cromartie in a salary-cap move in March 2014. He spent one season in Arizona before returning to the Jets for a largely forgettable year in 2015.
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"To my J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS, The Best NFL Team in New York, The Jets Organization," Cromartie wrote on Instagram. "You became my home and my family. I grew as a player, a man, and as a leader. The brotherhood I️ built here was undeniable. My heart will forever embrace the feeling of running through the tunnel and out onto the field with my brothers. My family and I will forever Bleed Green. JETUP, JET NATION."
Cromartie played in four games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2016 before being released. His wife, Terricka, publicly accused the Colts of axing her husband because he had kneeled during the national anthem. The team insisted the move was entirely football related.
The father of 14 children has not played since.
Cromartie retires with 31 career interceptions.
