New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo announced on Feb. 16 that he is retiring.
The retirement was announced on Instagram in a post titled "Retiring a Patriot," which came just one week before his 30th birthday.
He probably wouldn’t be with the Patriots next season since he has a $11.4 million cap number, the second-highest on the team after quarterback Tom Brady, according to ESPN. Next month, he was due for a $4 million roster bonus and was due over $10 million in 2016 in salary and bonuses. The Patriots will save $7 million in cap space with Mayo’s retirement and have $4.4 million in dead money.
"After a lot of thought Chantel and I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for what we consider a life changing event.....that of becoming a New England Patriot for the past 8 years,” Mayo wrote on Instagram. "We are extremely grateful to 'Thundercat' [Patriots owner Robert Kraft], [Patriots president] Jonathan [Kraft], the Kraft family, Coach [Bill] Belichick, the Pats organization, and the most amazing fans in contributing to these pages of our lives. As my family and I prepare for the future be sure that the Pats memories will always hold a special place in our hearts. #51 JMayo."
Mayo was drafted by the Patriots in 2008 and has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. He finished each of the last three seasons on injured reserve. In 2009, he was elected as a team captain. Mayo’s best seasons were in 2010 and 2012, when he had 193 and 184 tackles, respectively, and made the Pro Bowl both years, according to the Boston Globe. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2010. Mayo has 803 tackles, eight forced fumbles, and three interceptions in his career.
Mayo could possibly join the Patriots coaching staff now that he’s retired. The Patriots haven’t found a replacement for Patrick Graham, who was their linebackers coach last season and was hired by the New York Giants this past season.
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