Simoneau, on injured reserve, announces retirement from NFL

Former Kansas State star Mark Simoneau announced his retirement Thursday, according to a post on the Kansas City Chiefs website.

The Chiefs placed the Smith Center native on injured reserve Wednesday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my official retirement from the NFL," Simoneau said in a statement through PSE Management. " I’ve had multiple surgeries over the past few years, and although I thought I was well enough to resume my career with my hometown team, you can never simulate game speed."

"It’s hard to end my career on this note, but the thought of not being able to pick my daughter up was enough to make me realize I have to move on to the next phase of my life. I’d like to thank my family and all of the people who supported me throughout my career and also express my sincere appreciation to Scott Pioli, Todd Haley and Gary Gibbs for bringing me in. I’ve been a part of two Super Bowl teams during my career and I know they are building something special here in Kansas City. It was a thrill for a kid from Kansas to be able to put on a Chiefs uniform.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2010 at 2:03 PM with the headline "Simoneau, on injured reserve, announces retirement from NFL."