Arizona Cardinals’ Mike Leach Retires

For the first time since 2009 the  Arizona Cardinals will be looking for a new long snapper in the offseason.

The veteran long snapper, long a captain and a rock on special teams, has decided to call it a career for the Arizona Cardinals, and the NFL in general. Leach, 39, announced his retirement today with a personal announcement:

"Every journey, no matter how great, must eventually come to an end. Today, I’ve reached the end of my journey as a player in the National Football League. It is rare in our profession that a player gets to choose when it’s over and go out on his terms. I am making that choice before waning abilities – or worse, an injury – make it for me.I know I’ll miss it; nothing can replace the feeling of running onto an NFL field on game day or celebrating with your teammates after a big win. But I’m excited for whatever is to come next."

Leach, who won the Arizona Cardinals Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2010 started his career with the Cardinals in 2009 after being released by the Denver Broncos. The William and Mary graduate played in 235 games, putting him on the top of many iron man lists including his active streak of 216 regular season starts. Leach is classified as a Tight End on the roster and wore number 82.

Long a staple on Special Teams, the Arizona Cardinals will surely miss the snapper and his leadership in the locker room and on the field.