Chiefs offensive lineman and former Kansas State star Ryan Lilja calls it a career

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Chiefs center Ryan Lilja is calling it a career.

The former Shawnee Mission Northwest and Kansas State offensive lineman said on Monday he’s retiring after playing nine years in the NFL.

Lilja has battled injuries throughout the season. He even had to play center for the first time in his career at the end of the season after Chiefs starting center Rodney Hudson suffered a season ending injury.

The 31-year-old Lilja won a Super Bowl playing with Peyton Manning for the Indianapolis Colts.

He originally signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent before the 2004 season, but the Chiefs released him on September 5, 2004 and tried to sign him to the practice squad. But it was too late. Lilja didn’t clear waivers and the Colts claimed him two days later.

Lilja played six seasons for the Colts before re-signing with the Chiefs in 2010.