Cowboys two-time Pro Bowl LB Sean Lee retires after 11 seasons

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee was one of the best players at his position when fully healthy and earned two Pro Bowl nods during his 11-year career. 

Now 34 years old and slowed by multiple injury setbacks over the years, the Penn State product has told ESPN's Todd Archer that he is retiring. 

"It's been a complete honor," Lee explained to ESPN. "I've been blessed to play for the incredible Jones family, with such great coaches and teammates that I love like brothers. I loved every minute playing and tried to pour my heart and soul into winning and helping my teammates at all costs.

"To say the injuries were frustrating would be an understatement, but the support I received through them all was humbling and the lessons I learned battling adversity will last a lifetime. There are always regrets, but I'm proud of what I was able to accomplish and I leave this game grateful."

Lee made Pro Bowl squads in 2015 and 2016 and flashed Hall of Fame talent when not sidelined. He missed the entire 2014 season due to a torn ACL and, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, was unavailable for a total of 58 contests throughout his 11-year Dallas tenure because of a variety of injuries. 

Most recently, he was limited to nine games last season after having sports hernia surgery in September. 

PFT noted that Lee was a free agent and likely hadn't attracted much interest due to his age and injury history.