NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Linebacker Keith Bulluck announced his retirement from the NFL Friday.
Bulluck, who played a total of 11 seasons with the Titans from 2000 to 2009 and the New York Giants in 2010, signed a contract with Tennessee and will retire as a Titan.
He will formally submit his retirement to the NFL Saturday.
Bulluck was a mainstay in the Titans lineup for the better part of a decade and was one of the club's most durable players.
Originally a first-round pick by the Titans in the 2000 NFL Draft, Bulluck concludes his career as the third all-time leading tackler in Titans/Oilers history.
His 1,265 total tackles trail only linebackers Gregg Bingham (1,970) and Robert Brazile (1,281).
He appeared in 135 consecutive games from Nov. 12, 2001 against the Baltimore Ravens to Dec. 20, 2009 against the Miami Dolphins.
The streak tied defensive lineman Elvin Bethea for fourth all-time in team annals, trailing only streaks by offensive lineman Bruce Matthews (232), Brazile (147) and punter Craig Hentrich (146).
"The game of football has always been first in my life, coming before my friends, and in recent years, my family," Bulluck said in a statement Friday. "My quest to be the best football player and teammate that I can be has come to an end, and I am very much at peace with that. Throughout my 11-year NFL career, my teammates have been my family."
He continued, "I would like to thank my entire football family, starting with Syracuse University, the New York Giants and all my Tennessee Titan teammates, coaches, the entire organization and all the staff members I've ever had the pleasure of working with."
He added, "Most of all I want to thank the city and the community of Nashville for supporting me and my teammates during my 10 years with the Titans. A very special thanks goes to my family, Heather, Keira, and Kenzi, the best team I've ever been a part of."
Later this month, Bulluck will offer commentary alongside Sports Director Cory Curtis during the Titans preseason games on Nashville's News 2.
