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Former Illini Brandon Lloyd retires from NFL

The 34-year-old wide receiver calls it a career.

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Brandon Lloyd is hanging up his cleats.

The former Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver announced his retirement form the NFL on Thursday in a statement through his agency.

"I am so thankful for the years I spent in the NFL," Lloyd said in a statement released by his agency. "I do not have one regret, and I am blessed to leave the game in such a healthy and happy place. I will do all I can to positively represent the league and its players for the rest of my life."

Lloyd played for the San Francisco 49ers last season. He retires with 399 catches for 5,989 and 36 touchdown receptions.

The 34-year-old spent 11 years with six different teams: 49ers, Redskins, Bears, Broncos, Rams and Patriots. He led the league with 1,448 receiving yards while playing for the Broncos in 2010 and caught 74 passes for 911 yards during his one year with the Patriots in 2012. He rejected offers to return to the Patriots the next year and spent 2013 pursuing an acting career before returning to the NFL with the 49ers.

Lloyd was a fourth-round pick by the 49ers in the 2003 draft out of Illinois. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2001, helping the Illini to a 10-2 record and a BCS berth in the Sugar Bowl. The following season he declared his eligibility for the draft. He finished his college career having the second-most receiving yards (2,835) and touchdown catches (31) in Illinois history, and ranking third in all-time receptions (160).