Former Arizona cornerback Johnathan Joseph retires after 15 seasons

Former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Johnathan Joseph announced on Thursday that he is retiring from the NFL after 15 seasons.

Today I retire from the NFL.

In the summer of 2006, I signed my first NFL contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Fifteen years later, I can say I accomplished my childhood goal of making it to the NFL. I will never forget as a kid telling my father I wanted to be in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/v29OIiziwY

— Johnathan Joseph (@JJOE2424) June 10, 2021

Throughout his NFL career, Joseph played nine seasons for the Houston Texans, five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and split time between the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans during his final season in 2020.

The former first-round pick from the 2006 NFL Draft played in 211 career games and accumulated 787 combined tackles, 200 pass deflections, intercepted 32 passes and scored seven touchdowns.

Joseph was a two-time Pro Bowler in 2011 and 2012 with the Texans.

Congrats to Johnathan Joseph on his retirement. I’ve never met a classier player. Great to deal with. A hell of a player, too. Teams should line up to hire him for a front office job.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) June 10, 2021

As a member of the Cardinals in 2020, Joseph played in four games for Arizona and recorded three tackles along with a pass deflection.

Joseph took the time on Twitter to thank every school and team he played for, his teammates and the fans.

To my teammates & brothers in the game I couldn’t have asked for better locker rooms. Playing with & against you all have been the greatest honor. Thanks to Big Unk Lawrence for always believing in me! To my boys (ride or die)wanna say thank u and my agent Jason Chayut u the best pic.twitter.com/08yYWeYX0n

— Johnathan Joseph (@JJOE2424) June 10, 2021

Thank you Northwestern High, @cccredravens, @GamecockFB, @Bengals, @HoustonTexans , @Titans and @AZCardinals for believing in me.

— Johnathan Joseph (@JJOE2424) June 10, 2021

To my wife Delaina thank you for being supportive, understanding, and a great mom. My kids thank you and love you. My mom and sister thank you for believing in me and being my #1 fans. To my family and friends thanks for being supportive, caring, and the backbone to my success. pic.twitter.com/8mkFaxSavK

— Johnathan Joseph (@JJOE2424) June 10, 2021

Last but not least thank you to the fans. You are the best fans in the world. You made playing the game worth it.

It was an honor to play the game at the highest level and I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter of my life.

— Johnathan Joseph (@JJOE2424) June 10, 2021

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