NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans tackle Michael Roos announced his retirement today via Twitter, after informing the team of his decision. Roos concludes his 10-year NFL career, all with the Titans, ranking 11thon the franchise list of games played with 148.
"After 10 years as a Tennessee Titan I have decided to retire from football," Roos said. "I have given this decision much consideration. I feel fortunate to have played this long coming from a TE turned DE turned OT from Eastern Washington University.
Titans Online looks back at the outstanding career of Pro Bowl offensive tackle Michael Roos, who announced his retirement on Feb. 26, 2015. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
"I want to thank my coaches Mike Woodward (HS), Aaron Best, Paul Wulff, Beau Baldwin (EWU), Jeff Fisher, Mike Munchak, Ken Whisenhunt, Bruce Matthews (Titans), and all the coaches who made me a better player and man. To all the men I've shared the field with: I'm honored to have called you teammates. We have made memories for many lifetimes.
"I'm excited to begin the rest of my life, and I am grateful to do so now, while I am fully healthy...Thank you Titans fans for your support all these years. Cheers!"
Roos earned All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl invitation in 2008, on a team that finished the regular season with the NFL's best record and allowed a league-low 12 sacks. He was part of a line that paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher nine times and over a nine-year period (2005-13) and anchored a line that ranked third in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed during the same time period. As an offensive line, the highlight might have been opening holes for RB Chris Johnson's 2,000-yard rushing season in 2009.
Roos started the first 119 games of his career, after being drafted in the second round (41st overall) from Eastern Washington in 2005, and had his streak stopped by an emergency appendectomy in 2012. Since being drafted in 2005, he ranked second (Dominic Raiola, 155) in the NFL among offensive lineman starts (148). He played only five games last season, as he suffered a knee injury in the only season of his career that he didn't start at least 15 games.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MICHAEL ROOS
Tommy Smith – Titans CEO/President
"On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Michael for his 10 years of outstanding play for our franchise. On a weekly basis, he was a player that you could count on to play his best, year after year. He was a true pro and I am thrilled that he was able to play his entire career as a Titan. I wish Michael and Katherine the very best in the next chapter of their lives."
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Ruston Webster – Titans General Manager**
"I want to thank Michael Roos for his contribution to the Titans organization. Michael has been a true 'pro,' and a model of consistency throughout his tenure here. He had the unique ability to make playing a very difficult position look effortless. Playing one of the toughest positions on the field, he was a player that Titans fans could count on week in and week out, and one of the most durable players in the history of the franchise. I would like to congratulate him on an outstanding 10-year career, and I wish Michael and his wife, Katherine, the best in the future."
Ken Whisenhunt – Titans Head Coach
"I was only with Michael for one season, but I admired him as an opponent for many years. Working with him last year, I was impressed by his physical talent but also what he brought to the table as a 'pro'. He showed up every day and helped others get better. He was a tremendous resource for our younger players. It was very evident why he had been a Pro Bowl player. I appreciate how he handled a very difficult season. I want to thank him for his professionalism and wish him the best in retirement."
Mike Munchak – Steelers Offensive Line Coach and coach for Roos in nine of his 10 seasons
"Michael was such an intelligent football player. He always understood his opponent, our offensive scheme, their defensive scheme and all the angles involved. That knowledge and film work let him play with a great deal of confidence.
We knew after watching him for one day of practice that he was going to be a starter, he just had so much natural ability. To start at left tackle on the road at Pittsburgh as a rookie and then play the next week at right tackle showed how special he was at an early stage of his development. He built upon that season, getting better and better each season with the reps and at times made it look effortless. As coaches, we were never concerned about his matchup, because he could handle any opponent, whether it was a big guy or an athletic guy.
I know success will be a part of whatever is next for Michael and I wish him the best."
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Kevin Mawae – Former Titan**
"Congrats to Michael Roos on his retirement from the NFL. He was a great teammate and a friend in and out of the locker room. Michael was professional in every aspect, and served as an example of what a professional football player should be. I am proud to say that we played together. I wish the best of luck to him and Kat in the next season of their lives."
David Stewart – Former Titan
"He led by example and made everybody better. It was an honor to have him around my entire career to push me and make me a better player."
Eugene Amano – Former Titan
"What a career he's had. From the minute he stepped in the building he took care of business. He was as reliable as they came. He rarely missed practice, let alone a game. It was an honor to play alongside him for the majority of my career. It's rare to walk away from the game on your own terms and I'm happy for him for being able to do that."
Taylor Lewan – Current Titan
"Michael was a cornerstone of this offense for the last 10 years. His leadership and work ethic were great examples. He was a great football player and a better person."
