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New Orleans Saints veteran offensive tackle Zach Strief has formally announced his retirement from the NFL.
Strief met with the local media at the team’s facilities on Monday via a press conference to make the announcement. A lot of players like Drew Brees, Cameron Jordan, Mark Ingram were in attendance, as well as Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis.
It was originally reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport at the end of February that Strief was expected to retire. However, a day later Strief told WWL’s Kristian Garic that nothing was decided yet.
Strief, who was the team’s 7th round pick (210th overall) in the 2006 draft, had a strong career with New Orleans. He was a key cog in the team’s offensive line for years, and eventually got his shot at a starting gig.
Unfortunately, things didn’t end like Strief had hoped for, appearing in two games for the Saints in 2017. However, he was a big mentor and unquestioned leader in the team’s locker room.