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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

New York Giants: Center Shaun O'Hara Retires from the NFL - Bleacher Report

According to ESPN New York's Ian Begley, 11-year NFL veteran Shaun O'Hara has called it quits in the NFL.

The three-time Pro Bowler missed 10 games for the Giants in 2010 and was released by the G-Men for the 2011 season.

A walk-on at Rutgers University, O'Hara began his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, where he played from 2000-2003 before spending the next six seasons in New York.

O'Hara was a key member of the Giants' offensive line in 2007, protecting Eli Manning on his improbable 32-yard bomb to David Tyree, who pinned the ball between his hand and helmet, ultimately leading to a Super Bowl XLII victory.

Regarding his retirement and playing days, O'Hara made one thing clearâ€"he had no regrets.

I've been dreading this day my entire career. Admitting to myself, as well as publicly, that my body can no longer keep up with the demands of being a professional athlete. I wasn’t the most gifted athlete, but I learned early on in my life that perseverance is more valuable than talent. I can honestly say that I squeezed every ounce of ability out of my body and I have no regrets.

Begley reports that before making the final decision to retire, O'Hara contacted long-time teammate Michael Strahan, who believes he can still play the game of football (via ESPN).

Hi-res-79531708_crop_exactNick Laham/Getty Images

As for O'Hara, he'll still be very much involved in the game of football, serving as an analyst for the NFL Network.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King tweeted his good luck sentiments to O'Hara, tweeting:

As a life-long Giants fan, it's sad to see a guy who I grew up watching end his career, but he did it the right way.

O'Hara didn't drag anything out, and each Sunday, he left everything he had on the field.

Good luck and thank you, sir.

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