Former Broncos first-round pick, two-time All-Pro Clady retires
Aug 1, 2017, 10:39 AM | Updated: 10:42 am
Despite offers to return to the playing field in 2017, former Denver Broncos All-Pro tackle and 2008 first round pick Ryan Clady has decided to hang up his cleats.
Clady, in a message on Twitter, said Tuesday that several teams had an interest in signing him, but he made the “very difficult decision to retire” from the NFL.
“I have deliberated on this decision thoroughly until now because I wanted to see if the beginning of NFL training camps would inspire the passion that I need to perform at the standards that I established for myself during my nine-year NFL career,” Clady wrote.
The consensus All-American out of Boise State spent eight seasons in Denver after being selected No. 12 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, earning four Pro Bowl and two first-team All-Pro nods during his tenure with the Broncos.
Injury hampered Clady’s final few years in Denver, playing just a combined two games in the Broncos Super Bowl runs in 2013 and 2015.
Clady landed with the New York Jets after the Broncos Super Bowl 50 victory.
In the post, Clady thanked his family and friends, representation, coaches, teammates, and fans, but also specifically pointed to Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.
“I would especially like to thank Mr. Pat Bowlen and the Denver Broncos organization for brining me into the NFL,” Clady said. “I was blessed to experience eight great years, four Pro Bowls, and a world championship with that organization.”
I’m excited about what life holds for me going forward. pic.twitter.com/7D1cglA8eG
— Ryan Clady (@RyanClady) August 1, 2017
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
