Seattle Seahawks' eight-year veteran wide receiver Sidney Rice announced his retirement Wednesday, saying he was looking toward his future in making the decision.

Seahawks Insider Clare Farnsworth wrote Wednesday at seahawks.com.

“I was just thinking about things I’ve been through in the last few years,” said Rice, a big-play wide receiver who signed with the Seahawks in 2011 after playing his first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. “I’ve hit the ground a number of times. I have quite a few injuries. It’s something I’ve always battled through and came back from.

“But I just figure at this point I have the rest of my life ahead of me and I want to be able to function and do things later down the road.”

Rice has been active in planning for a post football career, recently opening a Wingstop restaurant in Tacoma with plans to open more in the Puget Sound area. He also hopes to stay connected with the Seahawks in some capacity, mentoring younger players, especially wide receivers.

Rice played well with Seattle in 2013, until enduring a season-ending knee injury. He was released as a salary cap casualty in the off season, but was re-signed at a lower salary.

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