The veteran offensive lineman announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons and eight Pro Bowls in a news conference while standing in front of banners for the union and LSU, across the street from Vanderbilt University, where he has been working as a strength and conditioning intern.
A framed LSU jersey with Mawae's college number 52 stood to his left, a present from Tigers coach Les Miles who's in town for a game Saturday night.
"My brother reminded me I have nothing to prove nor do I have anything to lose in this decision," an emotional Mawae said. "I've done everything an NFL player can want to do except winning a championship. With that, I walk away from the NFL on my own terms and with the only regret that of not being a Super Bowl champion."
Click to expand...