Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio retires after 12 NFL seasons
16 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 2:36 PM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
Joel Bitonio, the All-Pro offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, announced his retirement from the NFL on June 9, 2026. The 34-year-old spent all 12 seasons of his career with the Browns, where he made seven Pro Bowl selections and earned two First-Team All-Pro honors. Bitonio contemplated his decision throughout the offseason after competing in the 2025 season, ultimately deciding to retire. He expressed pride in representing the Browns and their loyal fan base, highlighting a desire to finish his career in Cleveland. Bitonio's contributions helped shape one of the league's most recognized offensive lines during his tenure.
- •Bitonio made seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections.
- •He joined the Browns as a second-round pick in 2014.
- •Bitonio played every snap in his final season.
- •His only two playoff appearances came in 2020 and 2023.
- •He expressed a lifelong loyalty to the Browns franchise.
- 2:36 PMYahoo Sports — Browns' Joel Bitonio delivers savage one-liner about Johnny Manziel as O-lineman retires
- 12:25 AMNBCSports.com — In retirement press conference, Joel Bitinio pokes fun at Johnny Manziel - NBC Sports
- 12:23 AMYahoo Sports — In retirement press conference, Joel Bitinio pokes fun at Johnny Manziel
- 4:58 PMYahoo Sports — Browns All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio announces retirement after 12 years
- 2:45 PMYahoo Sports — Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio retires after 12 seasons
- 2:36 PMESPN — Browns star LG Bitonio retires after 12 seasons
- 1:44 PMYahoo Sports — Joel Bitonio announces retirement after 12 seasons, all with the Cleveland Browns
- 1:30 PMCBS NFL — Browns seven-time Pro Bowl G Joel Bitonio retires after 12 NFL seasons
"Joel Bitonio announced his retirement on Tuesday after 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. The offensive guard played his entire career in Cleveland after he was selected in the second round (35th overall) of the 2014 draft. Bitonio said in a statement released through the team that he was fairly confident he was going to retire at the end of last season.
"Longtime Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio will retire after 12 seasons, he announced Tuesday. The All-Pro offensive lineman appeared in 178 games.
"Joel Bitonio, a 2014 second-round pick of the Browns who spent his entire 12-year NFL career in Cleveland, has announced his retirement.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 2:36 PMBrowns' Joel Bitonio delivers savage one-liner about Johnny Manziel as O-lineman retires
Bitonio definitely got a laugh out of this one.
- NBCSports.comJun 10, 2026, 12:25 AMIn retirement press conference, Joel Bitinio pokes fun at Johnny Manziel - NBC Sports
Long-time Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio announced his retirement on Tuesday, after 12 NFL seasons — all in Cleveland.
- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 12:23 AMIn retirement press conference, Joel Bitinio pokes fun at Johnny Manziel
Long-time Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio announced his retirement on Tuesday, after 12 NFL seasons — all in Cleveland.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 4:58 PMBrowns All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio announces retirement after 12 years
After 12 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, and 5 All-Pro nods, Browns guard Joel Bitonio is calling it a career
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 2:45 PMCleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio retires after 12 seasons
Longtime Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio will retire after 12 seasons, he announced Tuesday. The All-Pro offensive lineman appeared in 178 games.
- ESPNJun 9, 2026, 2:36 PMBrowns star LG Bitonio retires after 12 seasons
Longtime Browns left guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement Tuesday after 12 seasons in the NFL.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 1:44 PMJoel Bitonio announces retirement after 12 seasons, all with the Cleveland Browns
Joel Bitonio announced his retirement on Tuesday after 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. The offensive guard played his entire career in Cleveland after he was selected in the second round (35th overall) of the 2014 draft. Bitonio said in a statement released through the team that he was fairly confident he was going to retire at the end of last season.
- CBS NFLJun 9, 2026, 1:30 PMBrowns seven-time Pro Bowl G Joel Bitonio retires after 12 NFL seasons
One of the best guards of his generation, Joel Bitonio is retiring after 12 seasons with the Browns
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 1:22 PMBrowns' Joel Bitonio announces retirement from NFL after Hall of Fame-caliber career
The longtime Brown is stepping away from the NFL after a storied career.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 1:21 PMBrowns All-Pro lineman Joel Bitonio announces retirement from NFL at 34
Joel Bitonio made seven straight Pro Bowls with the Browns.
- NBCSports.comJun 9, 2026, 1:14 PMJoel Bitonio announces his retirement after 12 seasons with the Browns - NBC Sports
Joel Bitonio, a 2014 second-round pick of the Browns who spent his entire 12-year NFL career in Cleveland, has announced his retirement.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 1:13 PMPopular Detroit Lions Offseason Target Retires From NFL
Seven-time Pro Bowler Joel Bitonio has announced his retirement after 12 NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 1:11 PMJoel Bitonio announces his retirement after 12 seasons with the Browns
Joel Bitonio, a 2014 second-round pick of the Browns who spent his entire 12-year NFL career in Cleveland, has announced his retirement.
- clevelandbrowns.comJun 9, 2026, 12:59 PMA Cleveland Brown for life - Cleveland Browns
Joel Bitonio announces his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons with the Browns
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