Don Carey, who played the past eight seasons for the Detroit Lions, announced his retirement this week from the National Football League.

Carey, a 32-year old Grand Rapids native, came home to make the announcement and explain what his next career move is.

“We’re looking at some potential ventures and maybe bringing arena football back to the area," the cornerback told Magic 104.9 in a report posted by WZZM13.com. “We’re also hoping to get more involved with our REECH foundation which focuses on reaching, educating and empowering children.”

Carey, who made the announcement at Town Square Media, 50 Monroe Ave., in Grand Rapids, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played with Jacksonville in 2010 before signing with the Lions. He played in 85 games in Detroit, had two interceptions and forced three fumbles before being cut this past season.

Carey and his wife, Lakeisha Carey, founded the REECH Foundation, which is focused on impacting inner city youths by offering students opportunities of academic achievements. It emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math, along with physical fitness, social and moral responsibility and vocational and collegiate preparation.