:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59010531/usa_today_9593708.0.jpg)
Longtime Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons, including seven in Jacksonville.
11 year veteran, former Pro Bowl MLB and 5 time Jaguars defensive captain Paul Posluszny today announced his retirement from the @NFL in the following letter ⤵️https://t.co/5zopkqK1iC
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) March 13, 2018
Poz is the all-time leading tackler in Jaguars history with 586 solo tackles, 229 assisted tackles and 815 total tackles according to Pro Football Reference. He had 1,214 combined tackles throughout his entire career, including eight seasons with at least 100 tackles.
A Pro Bowler in 2013, Poz captained the Jaguars defense five times. He was originally drafted in the second round by the Buffalo Bills in 2007 (Penn State), and signed with Jacksonville in 2011.
It was clear that Posluszny’s role with the team took a step back in 2017, as younger players like Myles Jack excelled. Poz played in all 16 games, but finished the year with just 61 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
This move likely means that Jack will move to the MIKE linebacker spot full-time, while the Jaguars look to replace the SAM position with either Blair Brown, a drafted rookie or a free agent, such as Barkevious Mingo.
Poz was set to become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expired tomorrow at 4 p.m. EST.
He leaves Jaguars fans with this heartfelt letter, which you can read on Jaguars.com
Thank you, Poz!