Browns veteran Joel Bitonio ends 12-year career with reflections on early lessons
Bitonio cites formative experiences with former teammate Johnny Manziel as key to his professional longevity.
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio has announced his retirement from the National Football League, concluding a 12-year career that he spent entirely with the franchise. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking the end of a tenure defined by durability and consistent performance for the Cleveland organisation.
Bitonio was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, he appeared in and started 178 regular-season games. His individual accolades include seven Pro Bowl selections, three second-team All-Pro honours, and two first-team All-Pro selections, establishing him as a cornerstone of the Browns’ offensive line during his era.
During his retirement press conference, Bitonio reflected on the professional development he experienced alongside veterans early in his career. He specifically recalled sharing a hotel room with quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was drafted in the same year as Bitonio. Bitonio noted that he learned valuable lessons about professional conduct from Manziel’s behaviour, stating he learned "some things not to do" from the experience.
The contrast between the two players’ tenures was stark. Manziel, a first-round pick who the source notes never took his job seriously, was released by the Browns after only two seasons. He started eight games for the franchise, recording a 2-6 record, before his departure.
Bitonio’s longevity stood in sharp relief to Manziel’s brief stint in Cleveland. While Manziel’s time with the team was short, Bitonio maintained his position for a decade, providing stability to the offensive unit. His retirement leaves a legacy of consistency within the Cleveland Browns’ history.
