Kris Jenkins to retire

 Former Jets defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, who was released by the team after last season following knee surgery for the second consecutive year, has decided to retire. 

Jenkins made the announcement on his Facebook account. 

"Wanted to let you all know that I have loved the support and respect that you all have given me throughout my career," Jenkins wrote. "But it is time for the torch to be passed to the younger players. I am going to hang up the cleats! The mind is always willing to play but my body deserves the rest. Thank you for the opportunites to play Carolina and New York."

Jenkins, who was traded to the Jets from the Panthers in 2008, played in only seven games the last two years. He suffered a torn ACL in the Jets' sixth game in 2010 and then re-injured the ligament in the opener last year. 

Jenkins had vowed to continue playing, but changed his mind as the league is on the verge of re-opening its doors after a lockout that lasted more than four months.