New England Patriots

Jerod Mayo announces he is ‘retiring a Patriot’ on Instagram

Patriots middle linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) walks to the sidelines in Denver during the 2015 season. AP

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo says he is going to retire.

Mayo posted a 90-word statement on Instagram on Tuesday with the caption ‘‘Retiring a Patriot.’’ The 29-year-old former first-round draft pick said being a member of the Patriots for eight years was a ‘‘life-changing event.’’

‘‘As my family and I prepare for the future, be sure that the Pats memories will always hold a special place in our hearts,’’ he wrote.

Mayo also thanked the Kraft family, coach Bill Belichick and someone named ‘‘Thundercat.’’

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Mayo, 29, was the 10th overall pick in the 2008 draft.

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He did not play in the AFC championship game against Denver because of a shoulder injury. He played in just six games in each of the previous two seasons because of injuries.

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Online:

AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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