Manny Ramirez, signed this offseason to push second-year center Hroniss Grasu, will retire, the Bears said late Wednesday.
“At this time, Manny decided that, unless he can maintain a certain level of play that he expects from himself, that it is in everybody’s best interest for him to call it a career,” agent Jarrett Smith told the Sun-Times. “And move on to other opportunities, and dedicate himself to his family.”
The 33-year-old had played for coach John Fox and offensive line coach Dave Magazu from 2011-14 in Denver. Ramirez, who started 65 games in eight years, said last week he had spoken to Grasu about their competition.
“He knows we’re both here to compete against each other,” he said. “At the same time I’m also here to help him.”
His departure brings the interior line depth into focus, with one of two left guards, Ted Larsen and Cody Whitehair, likely serving as the backup center on gameday.
