Former Georgia, NFL linebacker Alec Ogletree announces retirement after 9 seasons

Veteran linebacker Alec Ogeltree announced his retirement from the NFL, according to a post on his Instagram page.

Ogletree, a former first-round pick out of Georgia, played for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, Jets and Chicago Bears from 2013-21. He did not play last season.

But he called it a career after nine seasons and will leave football at the age of 31.

“And just like that it’s a wrap,” Ogletree wrote. “Thank you @nfl @rams @nygiants @nyjets @chicagobears for allowing me to play 9 unforgettable years in the league!!! Thank you to all my teammates that I got a chance to play with and know over the years!! Thank you to my wife @alexogletree03.14 for being there to support, pick me up, help, correct, whatever the case may be…lol there are many things I could say about you and how blessed I am to have you in my life but I appreciate your love for me and our family!!! 

“Thank you to my parents for pushing me to be all I can be and supporting me through it all!!! Most of all I want thank God Almighty, Jesus, & the Holy Spirit for being with me every step of the way. If you know me then you know me and if you don’t know me I hope one day we get a chance to know each other a little bit better. I love y’all and thank you again for supporting me over the years!!!”

Over the course of his career, Ogletree had 766 total tackles, 531 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 12 interceptions, 61 pass deflections and four defensive touchdowns.

Ogletree was Second-Team All-Pro in 2016 with the Rams, named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2013 and was Second-Team All-SEC in 2012 during his final season with Georgia.

As a member of the Class of 2010, Ogletree was a five-star recruit out of Newnan (Ga.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 3 linebacker in the class and the No. 13 overall prospect in the class.