I think it's been safe, for the past year, to say that Rich Braham would likely retire soon. That announcement came today.
One of the longest and toughest careers in Bengals history ends Sunday when center Rich Braham retires with a ceremony at Sunday’s regular-season finale at Paul Brown Stadium as the seventh player to play at least 13 seasons in Cincinnati. .
Braham’s agent had said Tuesday his client had yet to make up his mind about returning for a 14th season after missing most of this one with a bone bruise in his knee. Vern Sharbaugh also said the Bengals haven’t approached him yet to discuss a possible extension of a contract that ends this year.
"There’s nothing definite. I think it’s something that Richie wants to look at after the season," Sharbaugh said. "I think he wants to see how his knee feels."
But head coach Marvin Lewis confirmed the move at his Wednesday news conference.
Braham, 36, recognized as the glue of an offensive line that paved the way for last season’s division title and record-setting offense, hasn’t played since the second game of this season with what has been described as a bone bruise.