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Former Bears' linebacker Jerrell Freeman announces retirement, cites health behind reasoning

Former Bears' inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman is hanging up his cleats.

Thank you, and I love you all!! pic.twitter.com/qdQYEN2mCI

— Jerrell Freeman (@JerrellFreeman) May 2, 2018

Freeman, 32, played in parts of six NFL seasons, most recently with the Bears from 2016-17. Originally an undrafted free agent in 2008, Freeman played in the CFL from 2009-2011 before signing with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012.

The Bears signed Freeman to a three-year contract in March 2016, though he played in just 12 games that season before getting suspended for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.