Former Sooner Great, Mark Clayton, Announces His Retirement From The NFL

One of greatest wide receivers in Oklahoma Football history announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday afternoon. Mark Clayton, the second leading receiver in school history, made the announcement via his personal Twitter account.

Time to RetireI'm now in the Dungeon working on my new career! NFL as I know it will be something I watch from now on. Ill be retiring

— mark clayton (@MarkClayton89) May 15, 2013

The former Sooner great had been in the process of a comeback following several serious injuries even going so far as to participate in Oklahoma's most recent Pro Day.

Clayton would go on to expand his statement and the difficult nature of his decision:

Time to Retire..
I'm now in the Dungeon working on my new career! NFL as I know it will be something I watch from now on. Ill be retiring this summer and moving on to other things. I'm feeling good and I would like to keep it that way..
I've sacrificed, hurt, bleed, cried, given up and got back up, fought injury after injury and poured all I had into my craft as it pertains to football. The Lord allowed me to go into and grow in some amazing environments. T-Birds of Oklahoma little league, Workman Jr High, Sam Houston High School (Arlington TX), The University or Oklahoma, The Baltimore Ravens Organization, and The St Louis Rams..
I tried my best to give all I had and leave each organization better than when I arrived from attitude to performance..
Big Thank You! To all my family, fans, and Gigantic Support System.. I wouldn't have accomplished what I did without you guys..
Easily the hardest decision I ever made in my life, but right one..
I will continue to lean on you and serve you with my life as I enter into new endeavors..

Several former Sooners offered their thoughts on Clayton's decision, but one of them probably stood out above all the others and illustrated just how impactful his time in Norman was.

I went to OU to be like my guy @markclayton89! True baller but better man. Glad to know you bro!

— Ryan Broyles (@RyanBroyles) May 15, 2013

Just because we can and because you never really need a reason to watch some of Clayton's OU highlights.