The Miami Dolphins have announced that veteran nose tackle Jason Ferguson has announced his retirement from the National Football League.

"You get what you put into this game. I would like to thank my family, the fans and the organizations that I have been a part of for their continued support throughout my career, it’s been an absolute blessing to play this long," said Ferguson. "I have built a lot of relationships, you develop an extended family playing this game; I would like to thank that extended family, the teammates, the coaches, the support staffs that have all played a part of a great ride."

Ferguson finished the 2009 season on injured reserve after suffering a torn quadriceps tendon.

In March, the 35-year old nose tackle was suspended by the National Football League for the first eight games of the 2010 season, but the Dolphins re-signed him to a one-year contract a few days later anyway. Ferguson's suspension was for a repeat violation of the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing substances.

A seventh-round pick (229th overall) in the 1997 NFL Draft out of Georgia by the New York Jets, Ferguson started 128 games and posted 21.5 quarterback sacks during a 13-year career that included a stint with the Dallas Cowboys (2005-07).

Once his suspension was served, Ferguson was expected to back-up Randy Starks and Paul Soliai at nose tackle this season.