Falcons tackle Weiner retires

Todd Weiner, a mainstay on the Falcons offensive line the past seven seasons, announced his retirement Thursday.

Weiner, 33, played in all 17 games last season, making 11 starts, after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee in 2007.

The thought of playing another season in agonizing pain was too much for the rugged Weiner to fathom.

“It’s been something that has been weighing on my mind for quite some time, to be honest with you,” Weiner told the Journal-Constitution on Thursday. “After going through the season that we had, and the amount of discomfort and pain that I was going through with the knee, it was just time.”

Weiner played last season after microfracture surgery. He was invaluable after rookie Sam Baker missed time because of a concussion and back surgery. Weiner would go through light practices during most weeks, but he was ready to go on Sundays.

“Todd Weiner epitomizes toughness, grit and everything a championship-caliber football player should be,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said in a statement.

Weiner, an 11-year NFL veteran who started 118 of 152 career games, spent four seasons in Seattle after being selected in the second round of the 1998 draft (47th overall). He signed with Atlanta as an unrestricted free agent in 2002.

Weiner, who played for four head coaches in seven seasons with the Falcons, was signed to play right tackle, which was the blind side for left-handed quarterback Michael Vick. He would switch over to left tackle to protect right-handed quarterbacks over his last two seasons under Bobby Petrino and Smith. He also played for Dan Reeves and Jim Mora.

“It’s emotional, no question about it,” Weiner said. “But at the same time it’s my decision, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”

The Falcons will pick up $4.75 million under the 2009 salary cap with the retirement of Weiner.

Weiner’s wife, Sunny, who played basketball at Kansas State, accepted his decision.

“She knows the amount of pain that I was going through last year and the amount of dedication that it took to come back from [the previous] year,” Weiner said. “She was ready for it.”

The three Weiner children —- Audrey, Austin and Asher —- were apprehensive.

“It was a little tough telling them that I would not be putting on the pads anymore,” Weiner said. “They were a little concerned.

“But I told them that we’re still going to be at the games and that we’ll still support the team.”

Weiner helped the Falcons lead the league in rushing from 2004-06. Last season the Falcons lead the league in rushing for most of the season before finishing second.

Weiner was on four teams that reached the playoffs, including the 2004 Falcons team that went to the NFC championship game.

“I feel like there was a lot that we accomplished on the field,” Weiner said. “But I would have liked to have accomplished more. I would have liked to have gone to the Super Bowl before my career was over.”

Weiner knows that retirement will have some tough times.

“I’m on to the next chapter in my life,” Weiner said. “I’m looking forward to it. There is no question that I’ll miss the game. I’ll miss the locker room. … But I’m looking forward to some change.”

He does have future plans.

“Some things I’ve missed out on in the past, like I’d like to coach my kids in some sports and get involved in their lives,” Weiner said. “As far as business and personal things, I’m involved in Hometown Community Bank in Braselton. I’m working really hard with them. … One thing is for sure, I’m a football player, and that’s something I’ve done for a long time. It’s something that I’ll definitely miss.”