Pats Linebacker Jerod Mayo Announces Retirement on Instagram, Report Offensive Line Coach Dante Scarnecchia to Return

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo says he is going to retire.

Mayo posted a 90-word statement on Instagram on Tuesday with the caption ‘‘Retiring a Patriot.’’ The 29-year-old former first-round draft pick said being a member of the Patriots for eight years was a ‘‘life-changing event.’’

‘‘As my family and I prepare for the future, be sure that the Pats memories will always hold a special place in our hearts,’’ he wrote.

Mayo also thanked the Kraft family, coach Bill Belichick and someone named ‘‘Thundercat.’’

In addition, ESPN is reporting that former offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia has agreed to come out of retirement to take over his former job.  Scarnecchia spent 30-years with the Pats, the final 15 as the offensive line coach.