Former Alabama defensive lineman Quinton Dial is hanging up his cleats.

After five years in the NFL, Dial announced his retirement Thursday night via Instagram.

“This is my official announcement to you and the NFL of my retirement,” Dial said.

“I want to thank the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers for the opportunity that you gave a country boy from a small town in Alabama when no one else would.

“To the fans, thanks for the countless memories that have made the last five years something special. Coach Harbaugh, Coach Tomsula, and Trent Ballake thank you for the incredible opportunity you guys gave me. The relationships I’ve made over the last five years in and out of the locker room I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“I knew this day would come but I didn’t know when. That is why I’ve prepared myself since becoming an NFL player; because you are one play away from your career being over. I’ve faced a lot of injuries throughout my career and I feel it is in my best interest to hang up the cleats and pursue another career.

Former Alabama defensive tackle Quinton Dial

“I am excited about what the future holds for my family and I. Again, thank you all for the countless support over the years! I will miss all of you guys! #TeamDialOut”

Dial did not play season and was not on a current NFL roster at the time of his retirement. His most recent NFL action came in 13 games with the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 season. He joined the Packers after four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the 49ers, Dial was limited to three games in his rookie season because of a toe injury. He would go on to participate in 14, 15 and 14 games, respectively, the next three seasons. However, he was released by San Francisco in 2017 and signed a one-year contract with Green Bay. Dial ended his career with 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

In Tuscaloosa, Dial played two seasons under head coach Nick Saban at Alabama after starting his college years at East Mississippi Community College. There the defensive tackle helped the Crimson Tide win BCS national championships and an SEC Championship in 2011 and 2012.

Dial attended Clay-Chalkville (Ala.) High School before moving on to Scooba, Miss., for junior college. He was the nation’s No. 30 defensive tackle and the state of Mississippi’s No. 10 player in the 2009 recruiting cycle, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite rankings.

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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