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Joel Bitonio Retirement: Joel Bitonio, the Cleveland Browns' 2014 second-round pick who spent his entire 12-year NFL career in Cleveland, officially announced his retirement on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old left guard closes out a distinguished career without ever suiting up for another franchise.
Bitonio, selected 35th overall out of Nevada in the 2014 NFL Draft, earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2018 through 2024, establishing himself as one of the premier interior offensive linemen of the past decade.
He was also named first-team All-Pro in both 2021 and 2022. His seven Pro Bowl nods tie him with defensive end Myles Garrett for fourth-most in Browns franchise history.
Beyond his on-field production, Bitonio earned recognition for his character. He was named the Browns' Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2022 and won the team's Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award twice — in 2018 and 2023.
Bitonio's 178 career starts are the most by any Browns player since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999.
He surpassed Joe Thomas during his final season to claim that record outright.
He will retire having earned approximately $107 million over his career, making him the third highest-earning guard in NFL history, according to Spotrac.
In his retirement statement, Bitonio made clear his commitment to Cleveland never wavered.
"Truthfully, as time passed and my career kept going, there was never a point where I could envision myself in a different uniform," he wrote.
"I started the job here, and once I got to a certain point, I knew I wanted to finish the job in Cleveland. Now that job is finished."
Heading into the 2025 season, Bitonio said he was fairly confident it would be his last.
After Cleveland beat Pittsburgh in Week 17 and then defeated Cincinnati on a walk-off field goal in Week 18, he said the moment felt right.
Following the season, Bitonio said he was still going to the facility to rehab while contemplating his decision.
He noted that the Browns organization was patient and understanding throughout the process, which led both sides to extend the void date on his contract to give him more time.
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry said in a statement that Bitonio would someday be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor, while also expressing hope that he would eventually earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With Bitonio's departure, Cleveland has moved quickly to rebuild its offensive line.
The Browns traded for right tackle Tytus Howard, signed interior linemen Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, re-signed Teven Jenkins, and used the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select left tackle Spencer Fano.
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