Joe Thomas is retiring after 11 seasons as the Cleveland Browns’ left tackle.

Thomas announced his decision at around 2 p.m. March 14, just two hours before the new league year officially begins.

Thomas made the Pro Bowl each of his first 10 years in the league and played 10,363 consecutive snaps before a triceps injury suffered Oct. 22 in a game against Tennessee ended his 2017 season and, it turns out, his career.

The Browns have been busy in the last five days making trades and signing players in free agency, but nothing they’ve done fills the hole left at left tackle.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.

“From the moment I was drafted, the city embraced me in a way that I could never fully describe. I am proud to call Cleveland home. The loyalty and passion of the fans is unmatched and it was an honor to play in front of them from the past 11 years. I would like to thank all of the coaches, teammates, staff, fans and everyone who has shown me support throughout my career. Even though I will be hanging up my cleats, I will always be a Cleveland Brown.”

Thomas walked away from a $3 million roster bonus due on March 18 and $10.3 million in base salary for 2018.

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