Brian Waters has called it a career. (USATSI)
Brian Waters has called it a career. (USATSI)

After sitting out the 2012 season, five-time Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters signed with the Cowboys last year for one more ride around the NFL.

Ultimately he played only seven games before a triceps injury curtailed his season, and on Tuesday, the 13-year veteran announced he was done for good.

"After a long and wonderful career I have decided to retire," he said in a statement. "I want to thank the coaches, players and fans of the three great organizations that I had the pleasure of working for. First the Dallas Cowboys for giving me my first and last chance of working in the NFL. I will always be grateful. Also the New England Patriots for the most successful season in my career. It was a great ride. Lastly the Kansas City Chiefs where I had pleasure of enjoying eleven wonderful seasons, which I will never forget."

Waters' career was impressive. He was an undrafted free agent out of North Texas, but three years into his career, he was a full-time starter with Kansas City, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career. In 2011, he signed with the Patriots and helped push them to a Super Bowl appearance vs. the Giants.

But he sat out the 2012 season after saying he wanted to play closer to his home in Texas and the Patriots refused to release him. In 2013, Waters got his wish and signed with Dallas.

More from Waters' statement: "I want to thank the many family, friends and my hometown of Waxahachie, Texas for being great supporters. Finally I want to thank my kids for being my greatest motivations. I fought hard daily to make you proud me. If the rest of my life can be half as good as the last 15 years, I will be one of the luckiest people on earth."