Four-time NFL Pro Bowler with 14 children retiring at 33
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Antonio Cromartie had himself quite a career.
Making it to the NFL in and of itself is no small feat. Moreover, in 2007, Cromartie was a First-Team All-Pro and led the league in interceptions, giving him a legitimate claim that for at least one year, he was the best defensive back in all of football. He also shares an unbreakable NFL record with a 109-yard return touchdown.
Cromartie probably will not make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he was always a good player whose career will likely be underrated over time.
That being said, it was a poignant moment when Cromartie announced his retirement from professional football in an Instagram post on Monday.
“Today is the day I knew I would eventually have to face, but one I never wanted to accept,” Cromartie wrote.
Cromartie also cited God and prayer for helping him reach the end of his career.
“After 27 years of playing football, today I say farewell. God blessed me with the opportunity to play in the NFL for 11 years, and after much consideration and prayer, I’d like to officially announce my retirement,” he said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf8lb9dARBo/
Cromartie thanked the San Diego Chargers, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals — the teams with whom he enjoyed the most success as a player. He also had a short stint with the Indianapolis Colts, though he was cut after just four games.
“I thank God, for a praying wife for I know it was your prayers that sustained me, and protected me while I was on the field,” Cromartie added. He married his wife, Terricka Cason in 2008.
“As we take on this next chapter of our lives, I will hold onto your words… ‘Football is your Platform Antonio; It’s Not Your Purpose.’ The Time has Come for me to Focus on my Purpose. God Bless,” he concluded.
Cromartie was the first-round pick of the Chargers in 2006. He spent four seasons there, before signing a lucrative free agent deal with the Jets. Cromartie thrived in four seasons with the Jets, playing opposite of NFL star Darrelle Revis.
Cromartie notched another Pro Bowl season in his lone year with the Cardinals, before going back to the Jets for one final full season.
Despite hanging up the cleats, Cromartie will still very much be in the public eye. He just recently got his own reality television series, “The Cromarties.”
Perhaps just as notable as his on-the-field accomplishments, Cromartie has the interesting distinction of being known as the father of 14 children.
He has six children with Cason, and another eight kids with seven different women.
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