‘The next chapter begins;’ Former Bengals WR AJ Green announces retirement

CINCINNATI — Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green announced his retirement Monday in a post on social media.

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He was drafted No. 4 overall in the First Round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Bengals and played for the Stripes from 2011 through 2020.

Green played his collegiate ball at Georgia.

“Thank you,” Green wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to all who have supported, encouraged, and inspired me throughout my career.”

He thanked the University of Georgia, the Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, “for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”

“I’ve stayed true to the game and it owes me nothing,” he concluded. “Be blessed.. Love y’all! The next chapter begins.”

He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals after the 2020 season where he played the last two seasons.

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The Bengals congratulated Green on retirement in a post on its social media page Monday.

“Forever, a Bengals great,” the team wrote on Twitter. “Congratulations on retirement and one heck of a career, @ajgreen_18.”

Green finished his career ranked No. 2 in Bengals history in receiving yards with 9,430. He is behind Chad Johnson, who is the team’s all-time leading receiver at 10/783 yards.

His best year came in 2013 when he caught 98 passes for 1,426 yards and 11 touchdowns.

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Injuries started to pile up for Green during the end of his career.

He missed the entire 2019 season after suffering an ankle injury on the artificial surface at Welcome Stadium when the Bengals held their first practice of summer training camp.

Green played three more seasons after that but caught only seven touchdowns.

He retires with 727 career receptions for 10,514 yards and 70 touchdowns.

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