Around the NFL

Cortland Finnegan announces he will retire

Published: Mar 11, 2015 at 04:28 AM

Kevin Patra

Senior News Writer

Cortland Finnegan has considered retirement in the past. Now he's making it official.

The 31-year-old cornerback announced on Wednesday he will walk away from the NFL on Instagram in a perfectly Finneganian fashion:

"Spent 9 years doing something I Loved and it has payed off in so many ways.. To say I have been blessed is an understatement I am forever thankful.. I have made my share of mistakes and had moments of glory. I even got into a fight in an NFL Game ( he hits like a bish). I'm thankful for the friends I made on and off the field love yAll.. Time to move on and enjoy new people new places and new ideas.. I forgot to thank all the haters I love yAll to"

The shot at Andre Johnson for an epic on-field fight is a nice touch.

Finnegan spent six seasons with the Tennessee Titans after being drafted in the seventh-round of the 2006 draft. He then resided in St. Louis for two seasons before playing 12 games with the Miami Dolphins in 2014.

The nine-year pro got off to a good start last season, before injuries and age took their toll. His retirement is the least surprising among those that have walked away -- Jake Locker, Patrick Willis, Jason Worilds -- the last several days.

Finnegan will ride into the sunset remembered as a gritty corner who outplayed his draft status with Jeff Fisher's Titans.

He'll also be remembered for that fight with Johnson, so clearly he wanted to get in the parting shot.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast analyzes early free agency news, including Ndamukong Suh to Miami, Devin McCourty's new deal and much more. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

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