Logan Mankins is calling it quits after a solid 11 year career in the NFL. 

Logan Mankins announced his retirement today after 11 seasons in the league. Mankins played nine seasons in New England and  two seasons in Tampa Bay. Mankins was traded to the Bucs in the summer of 2014 after refusing to take a pay cut. 

Mankins was drafted with 32nd pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft out of Fresno State. At the time, people questioned the pick because many scouts and analysts alike viewed Mankins as a second round pick. Mankins played left tackle at Fresno State but moved to guard when he came here.

Bill Belichick referered to Mankins as the best guard he’s ever coached. Aside from John Hannah, he’s probably the second greatest guard in Patriots history and you can make the case he’s one of the five or six best offensive lineman in team history. 

Mankins was toughness personified. In 2011 he played the entire season with a torn ACL. In 2013, he moved back to left tackle after Nate Solder got injured down the stretch. Despite his public squabbling with Bob Kraft over his contract and eventual trade, Mankins remains a popular player around here and he’ll always be respected by the organization and the fans.

I tip my hat to Mankins. His toughness and durability defined his career. He was a great player. While I doubt Mankins gets into Canton, I do see him eventually being a Patriots Hall of Famer. He deserves that honor and I hope it happens soon.