Jermichael Finley retires from NFL; hadn't played since 2013 injury

Former Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley has officially retired, agent Blake Baratz told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Finley, 28, has not played since he suffered a bruised spinal cord on Oct. 20, 2013, against the Cleveland Browns. That injury left him momentarily without movement or feeling in his extremities.

Finley underwent surgery in November 2013 to fuse together the C-3 and C-4 vertebrae in his neck. Reportedly, he was cleared in 2014 to resume football activities, but he has remained unsigned as a free agent.

Finley addressed his decision in a series of tweets Monday night.

Forever grateful to have had the opportunity to play for the best organization, w/ the best coaching staff in the National Football League..

— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) October 19, 2015

...Im also grateful to have had the opportunity to catch balls on Sundays from the greatest quarterback #12 along side the best teammates...

— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) October 19, 2015

To the Green Bay Packer Fans: Thank you for 6 unbelievable years & unforgettable memories. You guys made my dreams come true. Go Pack Go

— Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88) October 19, 2015

Finley had a $10 million disability policy that would be paid if he never played football again, and he was expected to collect on it.

He caught 223 passes for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in 70 NFL games for the Packers.