New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (C) throws a pass in front of Brandon Johnson (59) of the Cincinnati Bengals, as lineman Damien Woody (R) tries to block, during the third quarter of their NFL AFC wild card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadiu
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (C) throws a pass in front of Brandon Johnson (59) of the Cincinnati Bengals, as lineman Damien Woody (R) tries to block, during the third quarter of their NFL AFC wild card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 9, 2010. Reuters

Pro Bowl offensive lineman Damien Woody, a two-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, announced his retirement after 12 seasons on Friday.

"You never expect this day to happen," Woody told reporters. "But one thing I say is I'm really looking forward to life after football, especially my body.

"This is a great day."

Taken with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 1999 National Football League draft, Woody also played for the Detroit Lions and spent his final three seasons with the New York Jets.

He played in 173 career games, including 166 as a starter, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2002.

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