As the 2024 season comes to a close for the Cleveland Browns, so might the career of All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio.
Drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Bitonio spent all 11 seasons of his NFL career in Cleveland. Asked about his time in Cleveland, Bitonio gave an honest answer on where he is at this point in his career.
Bitonio was firmly committed to finishing his career in Cleveland, but was unsure when his time on the football field would end. And he did not exclude that these last two matches could be his last.
“To tell you the truth, it’s mostly personal, just like how my body feels heading into another season. You put a lot on your body. We’ll just go from there, talk with the family and see where we are.
Despite being in good health for most of his career, Bitonio missed games last year due to a back injury. Now 33, the grind of an NFL season is taking its toll on the veteran.
Bitonio added that the difficult 3-12 season the Browns are going through also weighs heavily on him. At some point, the cost-risk analysis leans in favor of removing the cleats:
“The goal now, you’re in grade 11, 12, you want to try to win games. It’s tough to go out there and have 3 wins right now. It was difficult. It’s hard on your body. You just don’t feel as good on Monday when you lose games.
During his time with the Browns, Bitonio was a dominant mainstay at left guard. He even played left tackle for the Browns when needed. During his 11-year career, Bitonio was named to six Pro Bowls and twice to the All-Pro first team.
As the Browns face the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday, there’s a good chance it will be Bitonio’s last.
