Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson retiring after 21 seasons

The Lions announced today Hanson is retiring from football after 21 seasons with the team.

Jason Hanson wanted to keep on kicking. His body told him to stop.

The Detroit Lions kicker is retiring after 21 seasons. The 42-year-old Hanson announced his decision today. He said he thought about returning, but problems with his heel prompted him to call it a career.

“It's time,” Hanson said. “I gave serious thought and consideration to playing in 2013. While the determination and willpower are still there, the wear and tear on my body, especially the issues I had and still have with my heel, have convinced me that it's time to retire.”

Hanson became the first player to play 300 games with one franchise, finishing with 327. He also set an NFL record last year when he played his 21st season with the same team.

Hanson made a record 52 field goals from at least 50 yards. He's third on the career scoring list at 2,150 points and third in field goals with 495. Hanson is the only player with 2,000 points for one franchise.

“Jason Hanson is the gold standard,” Lions president Tom Lewand said. “He had an exemplary, Hall-of-Fame worthy career on the field, and for those of us fortunate to know him well, he is an even better person, teammate, friend, husband and father.”

Hanson joined such players as Jerry Rice, George Blanda, Morten Andersen, Gary Anderson and Vinny Testaverde with 21 pro seasons.