Logan Mankins has blocked his last defensive tackle.
Mankins, the Tampa Bay Bucs‘ Pro Bowl guard, has decided to retire, according to NFL.com and the Tampa Bay Times.
“It is always difficult losing a player of Logan’s caliber both on the field and in the locker room,” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. “He is one of the toughest, most intelligent and skilled players at his position that I have seen in my years around this game.
Logan distinguished himself as the ultimate professional over his 11-year career, and he was an unquestioned leader for us over the past two seasons. His leadership, work ethic and selflessness played a key role in the development of our younger players and he set the standard which we use to evaluate all of our offensive linemen.”
Acquired two years ago from New England, Mankins made six Pro Bowls with the Patriots and one more with the Bucs. He helped to anchor an improved offensive line that featured two rookies and two free agents. That line produced the fourth-leading running game in the league and quarterback Jameis Winston threw for more than 4,000 yards.
The possibility of retirement had been mentioned by Mankins since the close of the season, but the Bucs tried to talk him into one more season.
