Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike DeVito is retiring, announcing his decision in a column in the Bangor Daily News.
"There are more important things in life than football," DeVito wrote. "As hard as it is to say goodbye to the game that has made me the man I am, I cannot wait for the second half of this journey through life, loving [wife] Jessie more and more every day and watching my son Rocco start a journey of his own."
The 31-year-old DeVito had a productive season for the Chiefs in 2015 after missing all but the opener the year before because of a torn Achilles tendon. He became a part-time starter last season after losing some of his playing time to the younger Jaye Howard but was solid against the run and had a career-high three sacks.
DeVito joined the Chiefs as a free agent in 2013 after spending six seasons with the New York Jets.
"I want to thank the New York Jets, the Kansas City Chiefs and all the amazing people I have met throughout my career," DeVito wrote. "To all my family, friends, and fans, thank you for making an average player feel like a hall of famer. And to the game of football, thank you for the past 18 years, all the memories, and the lessons that will continue to serve me for the rest of my life."
ESPN Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher contributed to this report.
