Whitney Mercilus played 10 seasons in the NFL. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Edge-rusher Whitney Mercilus announces retirement

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/6/22

Former Houston Texans pass-rusher Whitney Mercilus announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday.

The veteran linebacker made the announcement on his Instagram account in a video that shows him preparing to grill a huge spread for his family.

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A post shared by Whitney Mercilus (@merci380)

"This is the first of many and the first of many that's going to be on Sunday, and if you can already tell by that, I've decided I'm hanging up the cleats," Mercilus says in the video while donning a chef's apron. "I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life."

Mercilus adds he continues to be heavily involved in his WithMerci Foundation, which supports children with disabilities.

The first-round pick from the 2012 NFL Draft spent the bulk of his career with the Texans before playing the final games of his NFL tenure with the Green Bay Packers. He ends his career with two interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and 58 sacks.

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