Former Penn State great Posluszny announces retirement

Former Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny is calling it a career.

The 33-year-old announced his retirement in a letter on jaguars.com, website for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. Posluszny spent seven years with Jacksonville after four years in Buffalo.

"Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude," Posluszny opened his letter. "With much sadness but without regret, I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands.

"I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from the NFL."

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Posluszny leaves the NFL with 1,214 tackles, 16 sacks, 15 interceptions and 51 passes defended. He is the Jaguars' leader among linebackers with 11 interceptions in seven seasons and second-most in overall tackles behind Daryl Smith.

The Hopewell High School graduate spent most of his letter thanking the people who helped him along the way — his wife, Elizabeth; his parents; his siblings; the people of western Pennsylvania; his high school teammates; Joe Paterno and the staff at Penn State and numerous NFL coaches and teammates. 

As for what's ahead, Posluszny didn't elaborate. He said the decision to retire will not make him happy, but it's the only one he could make because he can't play at the level required in the NFL.

"Although I will miss football dearly, I look forward to spending more time with my daughters," he wrote. "Dance class and dollhouses will be a new challenge, but for them, I will do my absolute best."