Former Broncos, Jaguars and Dolphins tight end Julius Thomas has retired after seven years in the NFL. The Portland State product will now pursue a doctorate in psychology.

“I’m ready to admit that I’m okay with giving up the identity of ‘Julius the football player,'” Thomas wrote in The Players’ Tribune. “I’m O.K. with not being recognized as an NFL athlete — because I’m more than that. I have stepped out of my identity before, and I will continue to do it again and again throughout life.

“I believe helping others is what I’m supposed to be doing at this point in my life. Hopefully I can help by encouraging more of my peers to connect with who they are outside of the game. If ultimately that’s what I’m remembered for, I’d be very thankful.”

Thomas, 30, entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick with Denver in 2011. He had a remarkable two-year run with Peyton Manning from 2013-2014, catching 108 passes for 1,277 yards and 24 touchdowns.

The Broncos opted not to re-sign Thomas when he became a free agent four years ago, and he signed a five-year, $46 million contract with Jacksonville. Thomas failed to live up to that contract with the Jaguars, catching 76 passes for 736 yards and nine touchdowns from 2015-2016.

Jacksonville traded Thomas to Miami last offseason. He caught 41 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games with the Dolphins last year.

Thomas earned about $29.3 million during his career, according to Spotrac.