INDIANAPOLIS – Colts tackling on left Anthony Castonzo has decided to retire after playing 10 seasons in the NFL, he announced on Tuesday.
“As a kid, my dream was to play in the NFL. I played my first full season of soccer in the second grade,” Castonzo said in a statement. “Now I have played my last. Sitting here, after a 10-year NFL career, I am extremely proud of all the hard work and sacrifice that has enabled me to develop that dream into a goal, and eventually to a reality that is unlike anything else. I could even have imagined it. “
Castonzo, a first-round pick in the 2011 draft, started all 144 games he played in his career. The Colts were 4-13 in the games he missed in his career.
‘If you had told me afterwards [rookie] training camp that I would have a 10-year career I would have laughed at you in your face, ” Castonzo said during a video news conference with reporters.
He said his decision to retire is final.
‘I’ve made the decision. I’ll stick with it, ”he said.
Castonzo flirted with retirement after the 2019 season, but decided to put it off. He signed a two-year deal with the Colts in the winter of 2020, but said at the time that he planned to take his playing status from year to year.
Injuries claimed Castonzo last season. He missed four games due to a knee and ankle injury. The Colts announced on December 30 that Castonzo would miss the rest of the regular season and then their playoff game against Buffalo, which they lost due to ankle surgery.
However, he said on Monday that his injuries this season were not a factor in his decision to retire.
“The Colts are blessed with many talented offensive linemen in our rich history and Anthony Castonzo is one of the best to represent the Horseshoe,” said Jim Irsay, owner of Colts. “For 10 seasons, Anthony consistently handled premier pass rushers in one of the most difficult positions to play. He quickly developed into the leader of our line of attack, setting a standard for preparation, strength and conditioning, and play. Anthony earns a tremendous amount of money. credit for helping our offensive line become one of the best units in the NFL. He will be sorely missed, but we are so grateful for AC’s contribution to our organization and congratulate him on a fantastic career. ”
A cornerstone for the front and in the community.
Happy retirement, @AnthonyKuijpers!
– Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 12, 2021
The Colts could look into the organization to find their replacement at the left tackle for Castonzo. Coach Frank Reich said guard Quenton Nelson, who has been an All-Pro in that position for three years in the NFL, is a possibility. Nelson, who had never played left tackle in his NFL career, played a few snaps there against the Las Vegas Raiders on December 13.
“[Nelson] as an option there is certainly a realistic option that – [GM Chris Ballard] and I clearly already had that conversation when AC was injured, ”Reich said earlier this week. It was like, “Hey, let’s take a look at Quenton, maybe that’s a fair option.” I’ll let Chris go into that more when he’s done [the media] on Thursday. But yes, that would certainly be an option, but just like any other decision, you have to look at all options and consider all factors. “
Castonzo said he regularly talks to former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, who retired for the 2019 season, when asked on Monday what will be like when his player career is over.
‘We are still good friends. I asked him, ‘How are you? “But I certainly leaned on him because he’s been there,” he said.