Former Dallas Cowboys starting defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins has retired from the NFL after 13 seasons. The move closes the book on a long pro career that stands out in a league where most players do not last nearly as long.
According to the NFL Players Association, the average NFL career is about 3.3 years. Against that backdrop, Hankins reaching 13 seasons highlights both his staying power and his ability to remain part of the league over more than a decade.
For Cowboys fans, Hankins was known as a starting presence on the defensive line. His retirement marks the end of an era for a veteran player who carved out a lengthy run at one of football's most demanding positions.
While the NFL sees constant roster turnover, careers with this kind of longevity are rare. Hankins leaves the game after well over a decade in the league, a milestone few players reach.
