Patriots LB Jerod Mayo Announces Retirement On Instagram, Players React.

Robert Alvarez

8 years ago at 9:03 am ET

On Instagram Wednesday night, New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo formally announced his retirement from the NFL following eight NFL seasons with the team that drafted him 10th overall in the 2008 draft out of the University of Tennessee.

Mayo had an instant impact on the Patriots, being named defensive rookie of the year in 2008 and two pro bowl selections in 2010 and 2012. He helped lead a defense that was in a transitional stage, helping guide the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2011 before injuries plagued his career from 2013-2015. Mayo suffered a torn pectoral twice in 2013 and most recently this January after the divisional round versus the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2014 Mayo tore his patellar tendon. Mayo played a combined 12 games over 2013-2014, missing the Super Bowl championship last February.

Mayo rebounded to play in all 16 regular season games in his final NFL season in 2015, but only started half. He walks away from the game at 29 years old following the latest injury.

As PatsFans own Miguel Benzan fully states in this article HERE, Mayo’s retirement led to key salary cap ramifications moving forward, while freeing up $6.475 million in cap space.

Below is Mayo’s statement from Instagram with the bold caption “Retiring A Patriot.”

RETIRING A PATRIOT.

A photo posted by Jerod Mayo (@jerod_mayo51) on Feb 16, 2016 at 3:07pm PST

Many current and former teammates reflected on Mayo’s career over social media.

to the best teammate, toughest guys & realest cat walking. glad to strap it up w you Senor. @jerod_mayo51 #captain pic.twitter.com/gjmvXTx7e2

— Danny Amendola (@DannyAmendola) February 17, 2016

Congrats on a great career proud to call you a #teammate #NewEnglandLegend pic.twitter.com/sSttY1TcUh

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) February 17, 2016

Mentor, teammate, friend….honored to have played next to you @jerod_mayo51 #Legend pic.twitter.com/4zwNT02qPz

— Chandler Jones (@Chan95Jones) February 17, 2016

Just hearing about @jerod_Mayo51 retiring, will be missed on and off the field. He was a true leader from the day he walked in! CONGRATS!!!

— K. Feezy (@feezy_k) February 17, 2016

Can't imagine playing a season without this guy @jerod_mayo51 …can't thank him enough for what he's done to help my career and help me as a man. Been a blessing how teammates turn to brothers…one of the greatest Patriots to lace the cleats up…I gotta come hit the basement with the Fam…always I appreciate you and @mrsmayo51 adopting me LOL -Dmac

A photo posted by Jason+Devin McCourty (@mccourtytwins) on Feb 16, 2016 at 4:46pm PST

It was a great experience playing with one of the best Patriots linebacker to play last 10 years! My man is riding of in the sunset on top! Will always miss you out there brotha! @jerod_mayo51 #TruePatriot #retirement #Mayo51 #BigBro #AnotherOneGone

A photo posted by Sealver Siliga (@sealver_siliga) on Feb 16, 2016 at 3:46pm PST

https://www.instagram.com/p/BB345ulLkf4/?taken-by=vincewilfork

And why not end with his crushing hit on Dennis Pitta in the 2012 AFC Championship game.