Terrell Thomas Retires: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

After just six NFL seasons, former New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas has decided to retire at the age of 30.

According to Michael Eisen of Giants.com, the former USC standout is hanging up his cleats after an injury-plagued career that featured a number of knee ailments:

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I can keep chasing a dream, but I was blessed to be able to come back and play (in 2013). To be able to show my family and fans, my daughter and myself that I worked hard enough to overcome some significant injuries and I became the second player in NFL history to come back from three ACLs. I didn't play with a brace. I am proud of my accomplishments. I have been through a lot and I overcame it. I am a smart dude and I am not going to chase football. Football is not chasing me. I feel like my time is over. I was blessed enough to play six years in the NFL. I lived my dream, and now it is time for the next chapter of my life.

"

Thomas missed both the 2011 and 2012 seasons due to injury, but he managed to have one last run with the G-Men in 2013 as he played in all 16 games. Per Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1, Thomas was out of the league this past season:

Although he could have attempted to continue playing, Thomas ultimately made the decision to step away with an eye toward his future.

When the former second-round pick was at full health, he was seemingly on the verge of becoming one of the NFL's best defensive backs. He had five interceptions in both 2009 and 2010, but he was never able to build upon that progress.

As pointed out by John Schmeelk of Giants.com, Thomas was an impressive player, but he was held back by an inability to stay off the injured list:

Perhaps Thomas' career didn't reach the heights that it should have, but he retires as a former Super Bowl champion, which is something that not many players can say.

His career was short; however, Thomas certainly made the most of it.

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