Cardinals left guard Alan Faneca is retiring after 13 successful years in the NFL.
Former Steelers, Giants and Cardinals lineman hangs up boots
Cardinals left guard Alan Faneca is retiring after 13 successful years in the NFL.
The 34-year-old maintained a spot in the starting line-up throughout his last nine NFL seasons, as he transferred from Pittsburgh to New York, before signing with Arizona in 2010.
Faneca enjoyed a Super Bowl XL victory with the Steelers in 2006 and became the highest-paid offensive lineman of his time when he signed a $40m five-year contract with the Jets in 2008.
New York released the star after two seasons and Faneca was snapped up by the Cardinals, where he was reunited with former Pittsburgh line coach and Hall of Fame legend Russ Grimm.
In his statement, a humble Faneca thanked his team-mates, fans and even journalists who have supported and followed his long career.
He said: "Playing in the NFL has been a childhood dream come true. Each and every team-mate, coach and front office employee has made a lasting impact on my life.
"I want to thank each of the beat writers that covered me throughout my career. These guys work hard and always treated me with respect.
"I want to also thank the fans. The roar of the crowd kept me going more than the fans will ever know."
