Bengals C Braham announces retirement
CINCINNATI (TICKER) —After donning Cincinnati Bengals’ black and orange for over a decade, center Rich Braham has decided to call it quits.
Braham on Wednesday announced he will retire after this season.
A 13-year veteran, Braham will be honored in a pregame ceremony Sunday when the Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Rich has been a credit to the Bengals in all ways,” team president Mike Brown said. “He has been a fine player as well as being one of our most solid guys off the field. Our fans have admired his toughness and his resolve. We have been fortunate to have him all these years.”
The 36-year-old Braham suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Cleveland Browns on September 17.
“When my knee didn’t come around late this year, I just knew it was my time,” Braham said. “Not too many guys get the chance to play a long career all with one team, and I’m grateful for that.”
A third-round draft selection of the Arizona Cardinals in 1994, Braham has played in 146 games - 142 starts - with the Bengals. He is one of seven players to log 13 seasons with the franchise, joining Ken Anderson, Ken Riley, Reggie Williams, Anthony Munoz, Jim Breech and Joe Walter.
“We all know what kind of player Richie has been for this team,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. “But people should know that even though he couldn’t play this year, he has not missed a Saturday night at the hotel all season.
“That tells you right there what kind of pro he is, how he’s been there for his teammates, the investment he has here.”
