"On behalf of the entire Detroit Lions organization, I want to congratulate Rashean Mathis on his retirement from the National Football League. Rashean is one of the finest players and, more importantly, finest people that I've had the honor to coach.
"He was the consummate pro both on and off the field and was exemplary in his approach to the game. I always admired Rashean when I coached against him, but the past two seasons gave me an even greater level of respect for him as a man and as a player.
"His leadership and example to our younger players was invaluable and something I know will have a lasting impact on every one of his teammates.