Aliquippa native, PSU alum Posluszny retires from NFL

Aliquippa native and Penn State University alum Paul Posluszny is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons. The 33-year-old Posluszny announced his decision in a letter to Jacksonville Jaguars fans Tuesday, one day before he was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.

Posluszny started his career in Buffalo before playing the final seven years in Jacksonville. He led the Jaguars in tackles five times. His 973 stops trail only Daryl Smith (1,089) in Jacksonville's record book.

Posluszny says "with much sadness but without regret, I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands."

He adds that he can "no longer compete at a level that I find acceptable."

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Posluszny was a stand out linebacker and running back at Hopewell High School in Beaver County.

Related: Linebacker with one hand does 20 bench press reps at NFL combine

He went on to become an All-American linebacker at Penn State. Twice during his Penn State career, he won the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented to the nation's top defensive player. He also won the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation's top linebacker.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Cox Media Group