7-Time Pro Bowler Steve Hutchinson Reportedly Plans to Retire

Seven-time Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson will retire tomorrow, according to NFL insider Jay Glazer.

Glazer tweeted on Monday:

Hutchinson, drafted in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks, made Pro Bowl appearances throughout his career, leading the rushing attacks of the Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans.

The 35-year-old played in all 16 games from 2003 to 2009, but had missed a combined 11 games in the past three seasons. He started in all 169 regular-season games in which he played, won the NFC Championship with the Seahawks in 2005-2006 and has been named on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. He was also named to the Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team and anointed as one of the 50 greatest Vikings in history.

Hutchinson paved the way for running backs Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson in his years with the Vikings and Titans. He's a well-respected blocker throughout the league who has certainly made an imprint in his career.

The Titans ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry last season with Hutchinson starting 14 games. Johnson, who struggled in 2011, was able to get back on his feet with Hutchinson leading the way.

Offensive lineman often don't get the credit they deserve in a league dominated by quarterbacks, athletic pass-rushers and leaping wide receivers, but the fact that Hutchinson almost became a household name during his career tells you how much of an impact he had.

Hutchinson will be missed—a sterling model for offensive linemen everywhere—but he won't be forgotten throughout the NFL.