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Miami Dolphins cornerback Sam Madison has decided to retire following a 12-year career, finishing his playing days with the team that drafted him in the second-round of the 1997 NFL Draft. Madison re-signed with the Dolphins as a free agent on Wednesday.
The announcement of his retirement came via a text from Madison to Miami Herald reporter Adam Beasley.
Just got some breaking news from @sammaddie29, via text. "Just wanted you to know I'm retiring." It's the end of an era.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) February 23, 2017
Madison’s NFL career ends with nine years in Miami and three years with the New York Giants. He played in 173 games, recording 471 tackles, 38 interceptions with two touchdown returns, 81 passes defensed, 10 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries with a touchdown, and two sacks. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was a two-time First-Team All-Pro selection.
It was an unfortunate quick end to his return to the Dolphins, but Madison will rightfully retires with the team that brought him into the league, for which he played his best days, and in front of the fans that love him.