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Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie retires in middle of Raiders' dismal defensive year

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has pulled in his final interception in the NFL. The Oakland Raiders cornerback announced Tuesday on his Instagram feed he’s retiring immediately.

“Today my nfl journey ends, and i thank god for keep me all these years,” he wrote.

Rodgers-Cromartie signed with the Raiders in August after 10 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, who drafted him with the 16th overall pick in 2008; Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, with whom he went to the Super Bowl; and New York Giants. He started one game in his 11th and final season.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection finished his career with 30 interceptions, the sixth-highest total of any active player. He returned seven for touchdowns.

Rodgers-Cromartie wrote in his post he is “at peace with my decision” and said other people might not understand, but “that’s kool!!!”

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie abruptly retired midseason. (Photo by NBC Sports)
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie abruptly retired midseason. (Photo by NBC Sports)

Raiders defense among worst in the league

The Raiders (1-6) are struggling everywhere this season, the first after Jon Gruden returned to coaching. Their defense has been particularly poor, ranking last in average rushing yards allowed (144.7) and second to last in average points allowed (31.1).

They allow an average 407.4 yards per game, coming in at 26th.

Oakland has struggled to put out a consistent defensive rotation through seven games, resulting in what Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal described as a “defensive carousel.”

Rodgers-Cromartie, for example, worked only on special teams in a 42-28 loss Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts while Gareon Conley played a career-high 76 snaps. The two held previous roles in the game prior, a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

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