Greg McElroy retires

Mar 21, 2014 - 3:47 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Former New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy's short NFL career has come to an end.

McElroy announced his retirement via Twitter Friday, thanking the Cincinnati Bengals and Jets for giving him a chance.

"Thank you to Marvin Lewis, the Brown Family, and the entire Cincinnati Bengals' organization," McElroy wrote. "The fans make this decision especially difficult, as you have provided so much joy throughout my career. Playing in the NFL was my lifelong dream; therefore, I must also thank the New York Jets for providing me with my original opportunity.

"The future is bright, and exciting things are on the horizon!"

Selected by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft after a decorated career at Alabama, McElroy played in two games (one start) with New York in 2012. He completed 19-of-31 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

He was released with an injury designation by the Jets prior to last season, then spent the 2013 campaign on Cincinnati's practice squad.