Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Damien Woody has announced his retirement from football and says he will serve as a studio NFL analyst for ESPN this season.

Woody spent the last three seasons playing right tackle for the New York Jets, but was released before the NFL lockout began in March. He says Friday at a news conference at the Jets’ training facility that he contemplated returning for a 13th NFL season, but decided to move forward with his plan to get into television and radio broadcasting.

“Damien’s play on the field, leadership in the locker room, and understanding of the game, earned him the respect of his peers,” said Seth Markman, ESPN senior coordinating producer for NFL studio shows, in a statement. “We are pleased to have Damien on our team, and his recent experience as a player will give our viewers a fresh perspective on the game.”

Woody, 33, won two Super Bowls with New England from 1999-2003 before playing four seasons in Detroit. He signed as a free agent with the Jets in 2008 and helped anchor an offensive line that was regularly rated among the league’s best.

“I’m grateful for all the support over the years from my family, my fans, and the league,” Woody said. “I’m excited to start the next phase of my career, moving from the NFL family to the ESPN family, and I feel blessed to continue to be a part of the game of football.”

–ESPN