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Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson will retire after 21 seasons in the NFL.

(AP File Photo)

Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson has decided to call it a career, retiring after 21 seasons in the NFL.

"It's time," Hanson said. "I gave serious thought and consideration to playing in 2013. While the determination and willpower are still there, the wear and tear on my body, especially the issues I had and still have with my heel have convinced me that it's time to retire."

It had been previously reported that Hanson wanted to return for the 2013 season, but a stalemate in contract negotiations gave him time to reconsider the decision.

Hanson was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL draft out of Washington State University and played his entire professional career in Detroit. His 327 games with the franchise are a record for a player with one team.

With 2,150 points, Hanson is third on the NFL's all-time scoring list, behind only Morton Andersen and Gary Anderson. Hanson converted on 82.4 percent of field goals in his career, knocking down 495 of his 601 attempts.

Hanson holds the NFL record for most field goals from 40 yards and longer as well as the mark for makes from 50 yards and beyond.

"Jason Hanson is the gold standard," Lions president Tom Lewand said. "He had an exemplary, Hall-of-Fame worthy career on the field, and for those of us fortunate to know him well, he is an even better person, teammate, friend, husband and father."

The Lions will hold a press conference for Hanson next Tuesday.

Hanson's departure leaves the Lions looking for a new kicker for just the second time since 1980. He replaced Eddie Murray, who spent the first 12 years of his career with Detroit.

The Lions recently hosted David Akers for a visit, but the veteran left without a contract. Other free agent options include Steven Hauschka, Lawrence Tynes, Olindo Mare and Shayne Graham.

Detroit could also look to fill the opening in the upcoming NFL draft. The top two prospects are Florida's Caleb Sturgis and Florida State's Dustin Hopkins.