Long-time Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Ramon Foster has officially announced his retirement.

The 34-year-old announced his retirement on Monday, concluding an 11-year career with Pittsburgh. He originally joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent back in 2009. Foster was the team's second-longest tenured member, only behind quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Foster released this statement upon his retirement.

“When the time comes, you just know and now is the time for me to take a bow,” Foster, 34, said in a statement. “I've made some friends for a lifetime, had some moments that I'll never forget, and seen some things I never thought I would because of this game. First and foremost, I would like to thank my wife and sons. I also want to thank the Steelers organization — Coach [Mike] Tomlin, Mr. Art Rooney II, the late Ambassador [Dan] Rooney, and Kevin Colbert for making Pittsburgh feel like a family.

There are so many more people I need to thank, including everyone on staff with the Steelers. I would also like to thank my teammates who made this journey something very special to me and my family — you guys were amazing.”

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Foster also made sure to single out the Steelers fan base.

“Last but definitely not least, thank you to the best fans in all of sports. I'm glad to say I was a Steeler for life, and there is no other organization I would have rather played for in my career.”

The University of Tennessee product became a full-time starter for Pittsburgh during the 2011 season. He started 119 of the past 120 games he appeared in.