Darrelle Revis, one of the best cornerbacks of our generation, has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. The cornerback played for a number of teams that included the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The sport of football is so grueling on the body and mind, which can lead to early retirements. One example is NFL running back DeMarco Murray and another is Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor. Although these other players were skilled and incredible at their positions, Revis will be regarded as one of the best corners the league has ever seen.

The announcement

Revis took to Twitter to announce his retirement yesterday (July 18). He was an outstanding player in the league and thanked everyone who helped him become the player he was. In the statement, according to an article by ESPN, Revis stated that "For the past 11 years, it has truly been an honor to showcase one of my greatest gifts to the world. Today I am closing a chapter in my life that I once dreamed of as a kid."

His journey was far from easy in the NFL, as he played for many different teams throughout the league. His career was a roller coaster ride at times too. His latest team, the Kansas City Chiefs, chose to cut him after not having a huge impact on their team. Revis was able to make a big impact playing as a member of the New York Jets and New England Patriots.

He was able to capture a ring playing for the Patriots.

However, his prime was with the New York Jets. The Jets traded up to draft him 14th overall in 2007, and after establishing himself, he played the position extremely well from 2008 to 2011. Darrelle Revis was a hard worker in the league and an intelligent one at that. There was an obvious reason why where Revis was covering, it was called "Revis Island," and few quarterbacks wanted to throw in that territory.

This was a once in a generational talent, as he was able to shut down an entire side of the field. He was able to provide brilliant one-on-one coverage on any player lined up across from him.

After a while, injuries plagued him, as a torn ACL in 2012 caused him to lose speed, explosiveness, and poise. With the Kansas City Chiefs, he did not have the same relentless pursuit of the ball or the will to tackle either.

He wasn't the same player he used to be and it was a reason he retired from the NFL.

A smart player

Darrelle Revis, aside from being a professional football player, was a savvy individual when it came down to money and contracts. He was also as professional as they come, as an article by Newsday lists that he was "a determined businessman....he held out of training camp in 2007 and 2010, and as he made the rounds he landed a series of lucrative contracts, testing the patience of teams and fans but securing more than $120 million in career earnings."

In the NFL, money is not guaranteed, as it is in the NBA, and other young players should take notes from the corner, who fought and earned every dollar he got.

Revis was able to do it his way.

Wide support around the league

With the decision to retire, it was no surprise, that a lot of support for the corner from fellow stars in the league was felt. Some of the best corners in the league, like Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Logan Ryan, celebrated his outstanding resume and achievements in the league. Darrelle Revis will long be regarded as a legend to the league and a hero to the New York Jets. Long Live "Revis Island."
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