In a surprising turn of events, former Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers center Corey Linsley has announced his retirement from the NFL. Linsley, who was released by the Chargers on Wednesday, had played a total of ten seasons in the league.

Selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2014 draft, Linsley quickly made his mark in the league. As a rookie, he earned the starting center position and played every offensive snap in his debut season. This set the tone for his career, as he went on to start all 132 regular season games and 12 playoff games in which he appeared.

Known for his exceptional pass-blocking skills, Linsley only surrendered 18 sacks and 150 pressures over 6,054 pass-blocking snaps throughout his career. His impressive performance on the field earned him back-to-back All-Pro team selections in 2020 and 2021.

After a stellar 2020 campaign with the Packers, Linsley inked a lucrative $62.5 million deal with the Chargers, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL at the time. He continued his success in Los Angeles, serving as a three-time captain and not allowing a single sack between 2021 and 2023.

However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Linsley was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list in 2023 due to a heart issue. It appears that this health concern has ultimately led to his decision to retire from the game.

Linsley's retirement will leave a significant void in both the Packers and Chargers' offensive lines. He was a reliable and consistent presence, providing protection for his quarterbacks and contributing to the success of their respective offenses.

On a positive note, the Packers received a fourth-round compensation pick in the 2022 draft for losing Linsley in free agency. This pick was used to select offensive lineman Zach Tom, who will now have the opportunity to fill the void left by Linsley's departure.

Fans and teammates alike will surely miss Linsley's contributions on the field, as well as his leadership off the field. His retirement serves as a reminder of the grueling nature of the sport and the importance of prioritizing one's well-being.

As Corey Linsley bids farewell to the NFL, his legacy as one of the best pass-blocking centers of the last decade will undoubtedly be remembered.