After denying that they planned to move on from defensive lineman Jay Ratliff, the Cowboys supplied him with a pink slip on Wednesday.
Ratliff said farewell to Dallas via a statement released to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“First let me say thank you to the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones for taking a chance on me in 2005,” Ratliff said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Cowboys and it was always my desire to begin and end my career here in Dallas. But I understand this business and now it’s time to move on, turn the page and begin again.
“To all my teammates, I want to wish them nothing but the best. Stay strong, keep fighting and always believe. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you, but I will always support you and value our time together.
“And to all the Cowboy fans, I want to say it was an honor to play for you. Cowboy fans are the best fans in the NFL and I thank each and every one of you for the support and love you have shown to me these past 9 years. I will miss you.”
Ratliff’s agent, Mark Slough, separately told Rowan Kaven of DallasCowboys.com that Ratliff intends to play in 2014. Slough also said that Ratliff didn’t have a sports hernia, but that Ratliff suffered from a ripped muscle in his pelvis.