For more than a decade, Joel Bitonio represented something the Cleveland Browns rarely had enough of during some turbulent years - consistency.
While coaches came and went and quarterbacks changed almost every season, Bitonio remained a fixture along Cleveland's offensive line. The veteran guard built a reputation as one of the NFL's most respected linemen and became one of the few Browns players whose performance rarely needed explaining.
That run officially came to an end on Tuesday.
After 12 seasons with the franchise, Bitonio announced his retirement in a letter to fans titled "A Cleveland Brown for Life," closing the book on a career that many believe could one day lead to a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“After 12 seasons of wearing No. 75 in brown and orange, I have officially decided to retire,” Bitonio said in his farewell letter. “To the city of Cleveland, our loyal fanbase, the Haslam family and the entire Browns organization, thank you. Thank you for 12 years of unwavering support and unforgettable memories."
Joel Bitonio Reflects on 12 Seasons With Browns
The decision marks the end of an era for Cleveland. No player on the current roster had spent more seasons with the organization than Bitonio, who arrived as a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and never looked back.
According to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, emotion took over when Bitonio was asked to reflect on everything he experienced during his 12 years with the franchise. From difficult seasons and physical tolls to constant changes throughout the organization, the six-time team captain carried a heavy load for much of his career.
“With great pride,” Bitonio said. “It’s hard to put into words. I just tried to give it everything. It’s tough. You try and go out there and be the best version of yourself and do what you can to help the team win. And I tried to do that every day. That’s what I did.”
Few players can match the durability he brought to Cleveland's offensive front. Bitonio appeared in 178 games during his career and started every one of them. He logged 11,847 offensive snaps and spent most of his time at left guard, though he willingly shifted to tackle whenever the Browns needed him elsewhere.
Bitonio earned seven Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors, surpassing Browns great Gene Hickerson in both categories. At the peak of his career, the longtime Browns standout was viewed by many as the best interior offensive lineman in football.
Now, after 12 seasons in Cleveland, one of the franchise's most accomplished players walks away as a Brown for life.
