IOWA CITY — Former Iowa All-American linebacker Pat Angerer retired from the NFL on Tuesday after four seasons.

Angerer, 27, guided Iowa to the 2010 Orange Bowl and a No. 7 ranking. The Indianapolis Colts drafted Angerer in the second round of the 2010 draft. Angerer played in 54 games over four years in Indianapolis and started 39. He signed with Atlanta this off-season but did not make the roster.

In 2011, Angerer ranked fourth in the NFL in tackles with 148. Injuries prevented Angerer from continuing his career.

“All I ever wanted to do was play for Bettendorf and that gave me the chance to be a Hawk,” Angerer wrote in a statement on Twitter. “Then, (all) I ever wanted to do was step on the field in Kinnick and that changed my life. I want to walk away while I’m still able to give my wife and kids the man they deserve. I have given this sport all I got. It wouldn’t be fair to the game, the team, my family and my name to continue along this path any longer. It’s time to get healthy.

“I’ve learned so much from so many great men along the way. I’m proud I was able to get a degree from a prestigious college and make a living playing a kids game. I had a lot of fun and I’ve been extremely fortunate. I’m excited for whatever the future entails. Thank you all for having my back.”

Injuries and illness nearly forced Angerer to quit at Iowa early in his career, but he stuck with it and became the team’s starting middle linebacker in 2008. He was named first-team all-Big Ten as a senior in 2009.

“He obviously stayed on and became one of our best leaders ever,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said. “I just feel badly he couldn’t stay healthy as a pro because he is a tremendous football player.

“Two years ago he came home on a Sunday night and I think he had picked off (Peyton) Manning the previous week. Was that last year? But late Sunday night or Monday night, you know, and I think he was on our sideline the next weekend.”

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