Seven-time Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 12 seasons, all spent with the Cleveland Browns.
"Truthfully, as time passed and my career kept going, there was never a point where I could envision myself in a different uniform," Bitonio for the team's official website. "Wearing that orange helmet and being part of this franchise -- from getting drafted to signing three contracts -- I felt a loyalty to the Browns, and it gave me a sense of pride to represent a fan base who is consistently loyal to us. I started the job here, and once I got to a certain point, I knew I wanted to finish the job in Cleveland.
"Now that job is finished. After 12 seasons of wearing No. 75 in brown and orange, I have officially decided to retire."
For much of his dozen seasons in Cleveland, Bitonio was one of the premier guards in the NFL, adding two first-team All-Pro selections and three AP second-team nods to his Pro Bowls. A steady eddy, Bitonio was one of the best pass-blocking guards in the NFL for the balance of his career and an excellent road-grader.
A second-round pick in 2014, Bitonio was an immediate starter. After an early-career injury, he was a stalwart on the Browns' offensive line, often the strength of the Cleveland offense during his run. In 2025, he passed Joe Thomas for the most starts in a Browns jersey since 1999 (178).
"Joel Bitonio set the standards for on-field excellence, professionalism and loyalty during his 12-year career with our organization," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. "Few have achieved as much as Joel has during his 178 starts. With seven Pro Bowls, five All-Pro selections and being the best interior lineman at his peak, we applaud a career that should be Canton-bound.
"Everyone knows Joel's on-field accomplishments, but he was able to elevate the entire building during his tenure because he is a Hall of Fame person. He was our longest-tenured captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year and his dedication to Northeast Ohio both within the walls of 76 Lou Groza Boulevard and beyond is aspirational to us all. Although Joel is now entering the next phase of his life, he will always be Browns family. We excitedly look forward to the day when he is inducted into our Ring of Honor and a Dawg Pound captain."
A free agent, Bitonio decided he'd rather retire a Brown than chase a chance at a Lombardi Trophy with another club.
"When I looked at my career and all that I had achieved -- the All-Pros, Pro Bowls, snap streaks and playoff appearances -- there was only one thing left that I still hoped to accomplish: a Super Bowl," Bitonio wrote. "A small part of me thought about wanting to chase that dream, but at the end of the day, my heart was set on being a Cleveland Brown for life. This city was where my NFL career was supposed to start and finish. For that dream to be a reality, I could not be more grateful.
"To the city of Cleveland, our loyal fanbase, the Haslam family and the entire Browns organization, thank you. Thank you for 12 years of unwavering support and unforgettable memories."
