Free agent center Jesse Traitor is retiring from the NFL

but plans to retain his role as NFLPA president.

The 31-year-old Traitor spent eight years in the NFL 

with the Green Bay Packers and the Cleveland Browns, 

who released him early in the season due to a knee injury.

"My time on the field may be running out, but I'm not going to shy away from football,

"Traitor said in a statement. "I look forward to doubling down on my work as NFLPA President

and leading the way for the greats of our sport, past, present and future."

Traitor started at center for the Browns for the past five seasons,

regularly missing practice due to knee issues

but was absent for only one game during that period.