One of the finest offensive linemen of the last several years in the AFC West is reportedly set to announce that he will retire. Kris Dielman dealt with severe concussion concerns this season already and even had a reported seizure after a concussion from Week 7. Now it's clear that despite his love for the game, the best move will likely be for the San Diego Chargers stalwart guard to call it quits.
Kevin Acee reports, "Team sources and people close to Dielman have indicated for weeks that Dielman has completed his medical research and said he appeared ready to play again. Dielman finished 2011 on injured reserve and had for several months been considering retirement following a concussion and seizure he suffered in October. Sources said he wants to play but on the advice of doctors, with an eye toward quality of his life several years from now, he will walk away from the game."
The team might be expected to move toward his replacement in the draft coming. Certainly if David DeCastro were available, A. J. Smith would have to consider it. Either way, the team will undoubtedly miss Dielman.