INDIANAOPLIS, IN - DECEMBER 30: A general view from the end zone as the Indianapolis Colts take on the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 30, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Texans 28-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)The Indianapolis Colts had unfortunate news to announce this Tuesday morning. Offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo is officially retiring from the NFL.
Castonzo, a 10-year veteran from Boston College, was a crucial piece to the Colts’ success on offense. He has been a reliable member of their offensive line since getting drafted in 2011.
Saying goodbye to the NFL has to be tough for Castonzo, but in his letter to Indianapolis it sounds like he’s just grateful he had the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“As a kid, it was my dream to play in the NFL. I played my first full season of tackle football in second grade. Now I have played my last,” Castonzo wrote. “As I sit here now, after a 10 year NFL career, I am extremely proud of all the hard work and sacrifice that allowed me to evolve that dream into a goal, and ultimately into a reality unlike anything I could have even imagined.”
Here’s the full retirement letter from Castonzo:
A cornerstone up front and in the community.
Happy retirement, @AnthonyCastonzo!
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 12, 2021
Colts owner Jim Irsay released a statement regarding Castonzo’s decision.
“Anthony deserves a tremendous amount of credit for helping our offensive line mature into one of the best units in the NFL. He will sorely be missed, but we are so appreciative of AC’s contribution to our organization and we congratulate him on a fantastic career.”
Frank Reich also commented on Castonzo’s retirement, saying “He is a tremendous leader who put as much energy in making his teammates better as he did improving his own game.”
Congratulations to Castonzo on an outstanding NFL career. We wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.
