Offensive tackle Jake Long was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.The big mauler dominated at the University of Michigan and proved himself worthy of hearing his name called before the likes of Chris Long and Matt Ryan, who were taken with the next two picks that year.Other offensive tackles such as Ryan Clady, Duane Brown, Branden Albert and Josh Sitton were also taken that year in what was, in hindsight, one of the best recent drafts in terms of landing premier offensive tackle talent.After making the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons in the league and even receiving first-team All-Pro honors in 2010, the former member of the Dolphins, Rams, Falcons and Vikings dealt with multiple torn ACLs in the second half of his career and he was simply never the same on the field.For someone who made 60-consecutive starts to begin his NFL journey, his career will now be best remembered for what might have been, as he officially announced his retirement via Twitter on Monday.Here’s the heartfelt letter that he posted:

“As I continue with my recent rehab I realize that although my heart and mind still want to play, my body is telling me something completely different. Mentally and physically I have given his game everything I possibly could,” he wrote.

He had not played more than 10 games in a single season since 2013 and got on the field for just four last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Therefore, from a health perspective, he thought it was the right time to walk away.

He also took the time to thank his wife, parents, fans, doctors and coaches in a very emotional way. 

According to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press, Long might have his eye on business heading into the future:

“Long has a natural interest in real-estate investment because his wife’s parents have been longtime commercial and residential real-estate brokers. He also seemed intrigued by franchising and visited a Papa John’s Pizza store and Orangetheory Fitness in Ann Arbor to learn about their franchise procedures."

Monarrez also noted that Long attended the NFL Business Academy at the University of Michigan, where current and former players learn about business management and entrepreneurship at a high-level in the areas of franchising, real estate and philanthropy.

So, while Long might have hung up his cleats, he might enjoy a fresh, and presumably less physically-taxing career.