Former All-Pro DT retires after 11 seasons

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy announced his retirement via a Friday tweet.

With his retirement official, McCoy is now the 10th player since 1990 to play at least 11 seasons without ever playing in a playoff game, according to CBS Sports Writer John Breech.

A former first-round pick out of Oklahoma, McCoy spent nine years with the Buccaneers after he was taken at No. 3 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He garnered 297 total tackles, 79 tackles for loss, 140 quarterback hits, 54.5 sacks, 22 pass deflections and six forced fumbles during his time with Tampa.

McCoy signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers after he and the Bucs mutually agreed to part ways in 2019.

"It's great to have Gerald on our side now," then-Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "We are very familiar with his skill set after facing him over the years and know that he not only brings a wealth of talent as a player but is also a tremendous person."

McCoy played and started in 16 games for Carolina. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, though he didn't play in a snap for the team after he ruptured his quad in training camp. McCoy was released just before the start of the season.

The 6-foot-4 tackle moved on to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, but played in one game after suffering a knee injury in Week 1.

McCoy left behind a legacy for the Buccaneers, defined by a career decorated with awards and accolades with Tampa Bay.

The 295-pound lineman earned his first of six-consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2012. He combined for 30 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, five sacks, two pass deflections and one forced fumble that season. His six Pro Bowl selections are the third most in franchise history, taking spots behind defensive tackle Warren Sapp's seven and linebacker Derrick Brooks's 11, according to CBS Sports. 

McCoy was named a first-team All-Pro in 2013 and a second-team All-Pro in 2014 and 2016.