Shield Calls It Quits After 14 Years

Kansas City guard Will Shields is retiring after 14 NFL seasons, during which he made a record 12 Pro Bowl appearances and anchored one of the top offensive lines in the league.

The 35-year-old announced his decision on his website on Sunday. He said the physical requirements of football had become more difficult with each passing day.

Shields, who made a team-record 224 starts, made his 12th Pro Bowl appearance last season to tie the record held by Minnesota guard Randall McDaniel.

The Chiefs had been waiting for Shields to decide whether he would come back for another season. Making the announcement entirely without warning on his website seemed in keeping with the privacy he has closely guarded throughout his stellar career. A team spokesman said Sunday night the club was not aware of Shields' announcement.

Shields strongly contemplated quitting after the 2005 season.

On his website, Shields thanked fellow players, coaches and his wife and children.

"I am looking forward to a future filled with sports in mind," he wrote. "Whether it is in the stands, on the sideline, in the press box or in an office -- football will remain in my blood. My best wishes to all and I hope to see you soon. Thank you again, for all your support."

Shields was a third-round draft choice out of Nebraska in 1993 who quickly developed into one of the best players at his position.

Quick and agile for a 300-pounder, Shields led the way Pro Bowl runners Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson.

For several years, he teamed with Pro Bowl left tackle Willie Roaf, Pro Bowl left guard Brian Waters and Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez to form one of the best blocking units in the NFL.

Roaf retired abruptly just before the opening of training camp. It's possible that only Waters and Gonzalez will remain of the great Chiefs line of a few years ago because center Casey Wiegmann, an 11-year veteran, is also contemplating retirement.

Shields' absence, although not unexpected, is certain to leave a big hole in the offensive line as the Chiefs give second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle the chance to compete for the starting job.

Shields also has been active in community affairs, but never used his work in that area to raise his own profile. He created the "Will To Succeed" Foundation in 1993 and dedicated it toward improving the lives of abused, battered and neglected women and children.