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As the 2024 season winds down for the Cleveland Browns, so may the career of All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio.
Drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft, Bitonio has spent all 11 seasons of his NFL career in Cleveland. When asked about his time in Cleveland, Bitonio gave an honest answer about where he stands at this point in his career.
Bitonio gave a firm commitment that he would finish his career in Cleveland but was unsure of the timing of when his time on the football field would come to an end. And he didn’t rule out that these last two games could be his last.
“Truthfully, it’s mostly personal just like how my body feels going into another season. You put a lot on your body. We’ll just go from there, talk with the family and see where we’re at.”
Despite a clean bill of health most of his career, Bitonio missed games last year with a back injury. At 33 years old now, the grind of an NFL season is taking its toll on the veteran.
Bitonio did add that the rough 3-12 season the Browns are going through is weighing heavy on him as well. At some point the cost-risk analysis tips in favor of hanging up the cleats:
“The goal now, you’re in Year 11, Year 12, you want to try and win games. It’s hard to go out there and have 3 wins right now. That’s been tough. It’s tough on your body. You just don’t feel as good on Monday when you’re losing games.”
During his time with the Browns, Bitonio has been a dominant mainstay at the left guard position. He has even played left tackle for the Browns in a pinch when needed. Throughout his 11-year career, Bitonio has been named to six Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro twice.
As the Browns take on the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday, there is a real chance it could be Bitonio’s last.