Patriots LB Jerod Mayo Retiring From NFL

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, 29, is retiring from the NFL, his agent, Sean Kiernan, confirmed to ESPN.

Mayo bid farewell to the team Tuesday in an Instagram post that was captioned "retiring a Patriot."

"After a lot of thought [Mayo's wife] Chantel and I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for what we consider a life changing event . . . that of becoming a New England Patriot for the past 8 years," Mayo wrote in the message. "We are extremely grateful to 'Thundercat' [Patriots owner Robert Kraft], [Patriots president] Jonathan [Kraft], the Kraft family, Coach [Bill] Belichick, the Pats organization, and the most amazing fans in contributing to these pages of our lives.

"As my family and I prepare for the future be sure that the Pats memories will always hold a special place in our hearts. #51 JMayo."

Panthers' Kuechly To Undergo Surgery

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly will undergo surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder, a league source confirmed to ESPN.

The injury is not expected to impact Kuechly being ready for the start of the 2016 season, the source said.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection suffered the injury late in the first half of the Jan. 3 regular-season finale against Tampa Bay, but returned to start the second half with a brace on the shoulder.

Kuechly played every snap with the injury in Super Bowl 50. He didn't miss practice time or a start in the playoffs, becoming the first player in NFL history to return interceptions for touchdowns in consecutive postseason games.