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Wide receiver AJ Green announces retirement from NFL after 12-year career

Alex Weberby:Alex Weber•02/06/23
aj green
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Former Georgia, Bengals and Cardinals wide receiver AJ Green is officially retiring from the NFL after an incredible 12-year career, he announced on his Instagram account on Monday. Here was that post, which NFL reporter Dov Kleiman provided on Twitter:

For those who don’t feel like squinting hardcore to read his statement, here is what it said:

“Thank you. Thank you to all who have supported, encouraged, and inspired me throughout my career. Special thank you to the University of Georgia, Cincinnati Bengals, and Arizona Cardinals for the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I’ve stayed true to the game and it owes me nothing. Be blessed. Love y’all! The next chapter begins.”

Green retires as one of the best receivers of his generation. In 2011, a year where the Cincinnati Bengals had to draft their next franchise quarterback, they instead went with Green at pick No. 4, and then took Andy Dalton in the second round. Though it never paid off in the form of a playoff run, Andy and AJ took Cincinnati to five straight playoff appearances in their first five seasons together — with Green accumulating 1,000 yards all five years to start his career.

Eventually, Dalton and Green both declined as their era gave way to the current Burrow-Chase-Higgins regime, but the duo will always be fondly remembered for their time in stripes. Especially Green, who was renowned in Cincy as a spectacular talent an all-around great dude.

After leaving Cincinnati, he caught on at Arizona and even put up 850 yards in 2021 as a 33-year-old. Ultimately, though, after the 2022 season and experiencing the disaster that was the Cardinals over the last year, the 34-year-old decided to hang up the cleats for good.

A potential Hall of Fame talent who will spark conversation for years to come on the ballot. Congrats on a legendary career, AJ. Or, as Bengals radio announcer Dan Hoard used to say after his big plays…Adriel Jeremiah Green!