Ryan Lilja Will Retire
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
According to Dave Skretta of the AP, Kansas City Chiefs guard/center Ryan Lilja will retire.
#Chiefs center Ryan Lilja says he is retiring. Says his body told him it's "time to hang 'em up"
— Dave Skretta (@APdaveskretta) December 31, 2012
Lilja turned 31 in October. He returned to the Chiefs after spending some time with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He was eventually cut and ended up in Indianapolis where he won a Super Bowl with the Colts. Lilja was brought back to Kansas City in 2010 to help shore up an offensive line that had been struggling. He did a nice job at guard for the Chiefs and moved over to center mid-way through the 2012 season to help cover injuries.
The Chiefs drafted his eventual replacement in Jeff Allen. Allen struggled at times this season but gained valuable experience as a rookie.
Still, the Chiefs will need to add more depth to their interior line. Add guard to the growing list of needs.