Raiders DE Justin Tuck retires after 11 NFL seasons

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck is retiring after 11 seasons in the NFL. Tuck announced his decision Monday and says he leaves

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck is retiring after 11 seasons in the NFL.

Tuck announced his decision Monday and says he leaves the NFL with very few regrets.

''After months of praying and careful consideration, I have decided to retire from the game of football,'' Tuck said on Facebook. ''I've had 11 great years and, honestly, I leave with very few regrets.''

Tuck played his first nine seasons with the New York Giants, helping them win two Super Bowl titles. He spent the past two years in Oakland where he was a mentor to All Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack.

''Justin Tuck is a leader and a true professional on and off the field,'' Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. ''His commitment to his teammates and the organization was awesome, and he was a pleasure to coach. I wish Justin and his family nothing but the best.''

Tuck was an All-Pro in 2008 when he had 12 sacks. He finishes his career with 66 1/2 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and three interceptions in 147 career games. Tuck missed the final 11 games this season with a torn pectoral muscle.

''I want to thank the New York Giants and the Oakland Raiders for giving me a place I could call home all of these years,'' Tuck said. ''The Mara, Tisch, and Davis families, I'm forever in your debt. To my coaches: thanks for having me ready at every stage - the Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, you name it thank you for teaching me about professionalism, preparation, and the pursuit of perfection. To my teammates: thank you for always going to battle with me each and every game day, but more importantly, thanks for being my brothers for life.''

''And lastly, the fans What an incredible environment you've created for me over the years to call a workplace. You all have been so supportive of me and my family, and without you I would have no game to play. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.''

Tuck was the Raiders' nominee in 2015 for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He said he will concentrate on his charitable work with R.U.S.H. for Literacy, a program focused on providing access to books, combating summer learning loss, and closing the educational opportunity gap that exists for low-income Americans. The program has given more than 65,000 books to over 11,000 students across the country.

---

Online:

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL