NBC reports Ryan Clark to retire

Update: Clark says he has not yet filed paperwork to officially retire.

Thank u guys but if/when I make a decision on retirement I WILL BE THE FIRST to tell you! I haven't requested or filed any papers! Much luv

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) February 12, 2015

It isn't a shock to consider ex-Steelers safety Ryan Clark on the tail end of his career. Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 in Washington, D.C., is reporting it's officially over.

Congratulations to Ryan Clark who has officially retired from the NFL. He'll continue to be a star at ESPN. #Redskins

— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) February 12, 2015

Clark, who played last season for the Washington Redskins, has been working the last few offseasons for ESPN as an analyst and has hinted at a move to the TV studio over the last year.

One of the more opinionated players in the league, Clark has made his share of controversy, particularly at the tail end of his career. Many were turned off by his comments, accusing him of setting up a second career in media.

It worked.

Clark was an undrafted free agent in 2002, signing with the Giants out of college. He wound up in Washington, where he established himself as a quality safety opposite the late Sean Taylor. He parlayed that into a free agent contract with the Steelers in 2006. He became the team's starting free safety in 2007, pairing with Troy Polamalu at strong safety, won a Super Bowl with the team in 2008, and was an important part of a Steelers' defense that led the league for much of that period.

He signed an extension with the team that kept him in Pittsburgh through 2013. He wasn't re-signed after that season, with the team opting to sign free agent Mike Mitchell instead.

Clark returned to the Redskins last year.