After a very successful NFL career Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long has decided to hang up his cleats. On Saturday evening Long posted on Twitter that he was retiring from the game after putting everything he had into the game for the last 11 years.

“Cheers. Been a hell of a journey. Eleven years and I can honestly say I put my soul into every minute of it. Highs and lows. I’ve seen them both and I appreciate the perspective. Gratitude and love to those who lifted me up.”

Long was selected with the second overall pick in 2008 draft by the Los Angeles Rams and he lived up to the hype that came with such a high draft pick. Long also won back to back Super Bowls in 2016 and 2017, one with the New England Patriots and the other with Eagles.

The Eagles released a statement that focused a lot on the community service work that Long has done throughout his career.

“When you look at everything Chris Long accomplished as a player and person, it’s easy to see how fortunate we’ve been to have him on our team,” the Eagles said in a statement. “Chris was everything that we thought he was and even more — not only as a great player for our football team, but also in the community. There aren’t many players who can say they won back-to-back Super Bowls and the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

“There’s no question that his work ethic combined with his unique talent made him into one of the greatest of this era’s professional athletes. We are very thankful Chris chose to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, and congratulate him on a fantastic career. He will always be part of the Eagles family.”

This is a loss for the Eagles but they at least had a bit of a heads up that it could be the case. Long talked about after the season how he might hang up the cleats and he needed time to think about it. Looks like he has made up his decision and he is ready for life after football.