"Been a long time. Started this when he was eight," Frank said after the game, still clutching the ball Ryan gave him after pregame warmups. "Lots of ups and downs, but it's been a lot of fun. He's done a tremendous job.

"He's always had that chip on his shoulder. They always said he was too small at every level. Here he is 12 years later. It's a testament to his hard work.

"I'm proud of him. I love him."

There was a lot of love for Kalil in the Superdome.

Saints head coach Sean Payton and All-Pro center Max Unger made sure to congratulate him on a terrific career as soon as time expired.

Kalil said he kept his emotions in check until the very end of the game when the offense came off the field for the last time. That's when teammate after teammate came by to share a hug with No. 67.

"That sort of sealed the deal," Kalil said. "I thought I was going to get through it. Just very humbled by all the love I got today.

"Tell you what, if you ever want a confidence boost, retire. A lot of nice things get said about you."

Kalil, a five-time Pro Bowler, has earned all the accolades and compliments. He earned the right to go out on his terms.

So Sunday, he went out his way, out there for every snap, finishing what he started.