Tennessee Titans: OT Michael Roos Announces Retirement
By Les Bailey
Dec 22, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans tackle Michael Roos (71) blocks against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Ten-year veteran Offensive Tackle, Michael Roos announced his retirement from processional football, and the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. The second-round draft pick out of Eastern Washington in 2005, played his entire career in Titan Blue.
"“Michael was such an intelligent football player,” said Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak, who was in the same post with the Titans and helped the team decide to draft him.“He always understood his opponent, our offensive scheme, their defensive scheme and all the angles involved. That knowledge and film work let him play with a great deal of confidence. … As coaches, we were never concerned about his matchup, because he could handle any opponent, whether it was a big guy or an athletic guy.”"
The 32 year-old mainstay at LP Field injured his knee five games into the 2014 season, and after requiring OATS surgery, has been contemplating retirement since December.
Michael tells about his Osteoarticular Transfer System surgery:
"“A piece of bone came loose, so they cleaned that out and drilled new holes, new bone out of my knee to fill that hole,” Roos said."
Roos played TE, and along the defensive line in his college days at Eastern Washington.
He played his first year with the Titans at right tackle, but moved to the left side in year two. He stayed there for nine seasons, and didn’t miss a start until 2012 when an emergency appendectomy forced him to miss one game.
"“I want to thank my coaches Mike Woodward (HS), Aaron Best, Paul Wulff, Beau Baldwin (EWU), Jeff Fisher, Mike Munchak, Ken Whisenhunt, Bruce Matthews (Titans), and all the coaches who made me a better player and man. To all the men I’ve shared the field with: I’m honored to have called you teammates. We have made memories for many lifetimes.“I’m excited to begin the rest of my life, and I am grateful to do so now, while I am fully healthy…Thank you Titans fans for your support all these years. Cheers!”"
After being the anchor on an offensive line that allowed only 12 sacks in 2008, Roos earned All Pro honors, and made a Pro Bowl appearance.
With his salary at $6.625 million and his age becoming a concern in a major rebuilding year, Michael Roos was one of the first to be put on the 2015 free agency list, but had he not decided to retire, would most likely have been offered a roster spot at a reduced salary.
Titans President, and CEO Tommy Smith:
"“On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Michael for his 10 years of outstanding play for our franchise. On a weekly basis, he was a player that you could count on to play his best, year after year. He was a true pro and I am thrilled that he was able to play his entire career as a Titan. I wish Michael and Katherine the very best in the next chapter of their lives.”"
General Manager Ruston Webster:
"“I want to thank Michael Roos for his contribution to the Titans organization. Michael has been a true ‘pro,’ and a model of consistency throughout his tenure here. He had the unique ability to make playing a very difficult position look effortless. Playing one of the toughest positions on the field, he was a player that Titans fans could count on week in and week out, and one of the most durable players in the history of the franchise. I would like to congratulate him on an outstanding 10-year career, and I wish Michael and his wife, Katherine, the best in the future.”"
Titans Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt:
"“I was only with Michael for one season, but I admired him as an opponent for many years. Working with him last year, I was impressed by his physical talent but also what he brought to the table as a ‘pro’. He showed up every day and helped others get better. He was a tremendous resource for our younger players. It was very evident why he had been a Pro Bowl player. I appreciate how he handled a very difficult season. I want to thank him for his professionalism and wish him the best in retirement.”"
I think it’s great that a proud warrior like Michael Roos decided to go out on his terms, and chose to retire, and not trying to continue a career that was for all practical purposes, close to the end anyway.