Browns legend Joel Bitonio bids goodbye to the only home he ever knew. From the first day he arrived, Bitonio stood as a pillar of the franchise for twelve years from a second-round pick in 2014 alongside Johnny Manziel to one of the most decorated and respected players in franchise history.
Joel Bitonio embodied what it truly means to be a Cleveland Brown for life. He started his career with the Browns and he finished it the same way, bidding goodbye to football and the only team he ever played for.
Browns Lose a Franchise Cornerstone as Joel Bitonio Officially Retires After 12 Seasons
The Cleveland Browns selected Bitonio in the second round, 35th overall, in 2014 out of the University of Nevada. Drafted in the same class as quarterback Johnny Manziel, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound tackle-turned-guard made an immediate impact, starting all 16 games as a rookie, a reflection of his intensity from day one.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs for yards through the hole created by guard Joel Bitonio, left, center Ethan Pocic (55) and offensive tackle James Hudson III during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Though he dealt with early-career injuries that limited him in 2015 and 2016, Bitonio bounced back strongly. From 2017 onward, he became the anchor of the Browns’ offensive line, known for his durability, leadership, and elite play on the interior.
In total, Bitonio played in and started 178 regular-season games with the Browns, the most starts by any player since the franchise’s return in 1999, surpassing even legendary left tackle Joe Thomas. He became the definition of consistency, protecting a revolving door of quarterbacks while excelling as both a dominant run-blocker and reliable pass protector.
On June 9, 2026, Joel Bitonio officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons, all spent in brown and orange. The announcement came through a deeply personal letter published on the team’s website, followed by an emotional press conference at the Browns’ facility in Berea, Ohio.
“Truthfully, as time passed and my career kept going, there was never a point where I could envision myself in a different uniform,” Bitonio said. “I felt a loyalty to the Browns, and it gave me a sense of pride to represent a fan base who is consistently loyal to us. I started the job here, and once I got to a certain point, I knew I wanted to finish the job in Cleveland.”
A seven-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, and three-time Second-Team All-Pro, Bitonio exits the game at 34 years old with no immediate rush to define what comes next.
Family First as Bitonio Steps Back from Football to Reflect on What Comes Next
During his June 9 press conference, Bitonio was candid about his immediate priorities:
“Not exactly. I mean, spend some time with the family. They are ready and eager and be there for them. Enjoy some of the holidays. You miss Thanksgiving, parts of Thanksgiving and Christmas and those things. I think all that stuff would be very cool. But for me on a professional level, I haven’t really dove into exactly what I want to do,” Bitonio said.
He plans to focus primarily on his family, who he has always credited as his greatest source of strength throughout his career. The Bitonio family plans to remain in the Cleveland area, a detail noted positively by Browns leadership.
Bitonio has a strong history of community involvement in Northeast Ohio, including backpack giveaways for students, Shop with a Pro events, and work with Browns Give Back initiatives. He may look to expand on those philanthropic efforts in retirement.
As for professional paths, nothing is set in stone. Speculation in fan and media circles includes potential roles in broadcasting, coaching, front-office consulting, or continued community work. Bitonio has not announced or hinted at any specific commitments, however. After 23 total years of organized football, his focus remains on recovery and family.
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