Seahawks Lineman Mike Iupati Announces Retirement

Longtime center/guard and four-time Pro Bowler Mike Iupati is hanging up the ol' cleats and walking away from the game, he told Pete Harriman of The (Spokane, Wash.) Spokesman-Review.

Iupati spent each of the past two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He becomes the second "big name" offensive lineman to retire since the end of the season, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers' Maurkice Pouncey. Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Mike Pouncey, Maurkice's brother and primarily a center, also retired.

“My body was telling me it was time to close the door,” Iupati told Harriman. “My goal was to hit 10 years."

Iupati spent his entire career in the NFC West after being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the the 17th overall pick in 2010. Along with the Seahawks and 49ers, he spent four years with the Arizona Cardinals.

Iupati was named All-Pro twice in his 11-yeard career. He started 15 games in 2019, but injuries limited him to 10 appearances this past season.

“I fell in love with Seattle,” he said. “The organization was first class. They were so good to me.”