Eric Wood can finally announce he's retiring after the Buffalo Bills released the veteran center in a move considered a formality after he was diagnosed with a career-ending neck injury in January.

The NFL transactions list on Thursday listed the Bills reaching an injury settlement and releasing Wood under the designation: "Termination of vested veteran."

The decision by the Bills ends a lengthy waiting period for the team and Wood.

By waiting until Thursday Tarvarius Moore Jersey 49ers , the Bills limited the effect the player's remaining bonus money will have on their salary cap. The more than $10 million in bonus money owed to Wood will now only count against the team's salary cap this year rather than be spread over the two years left on the contract.

Wood declined to comment on being released by the Bills in a text to The AP. Wood did say he's planning to attend Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly's annual charitable auction and golf tournament in Buffalo this weekend.

Though Wood said he'll never play again, the nine-year veteran balked at the last minute to announce his retirement during a news conference in January.

Wood read from a prepared statement and spoke for less than two minutes in revealing end of season tests discovered two discs being dangerously close to his spinal cord.

"Thanks to everyone who supported me throughout my career. And because of that, I am here today," Wood said. "I'm sure there are a lot of unanswered questions. I hope to address those at a later date. Thanks, and go Bills."

According to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, teams could have asked for a portion of bonus money to be returned if a player retired before his contract expired. There was, however Mason Rudolph Jersey Steelers , a gray area if a player retired as a result of a career-ending injury.

Wood is from Cincinnati and spent four seasons playing at Louisville before being selected by the Bills with their second of two first-round picks in the 2009 draft. Wood earned a starting job entering his rookie season and appeared in 121 games, including one in the playoffs.

He was a respected team leader, popular in the community for his charitable work, and was the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2015 and '16.

Aside from Wood, Buffalo's offensive line must also replace starting left guard Richie Incognito, who abruptly retired in April and was then released by the Bills earlier this month.

— The San Francisco 49ers will honor former tight end Dwight Clark with a season-long celebration of his life that will include unveiling a statue of “The Catch.”

Clark died in June at age 61. He suffered from ALS.

All 49ers players will wear 87 helmet decals throughout the season, and Levi’s Stadium field bunting will pay tribute to Clark during all 49ers games.

The statue outside of Levi’s Stadium will be revealed on Oct. 21 when the 49ers host the Rams. The 350-pound statues of Clark and Joe Montana will be placed 23 yards apart — the distance covered on the famed winning play in the 1981 NFC championship game. The representation of Clark Isaac Yiadom Jersey Broncos , with his hands outstretched, will extend 11 feet in the air.

During the game, an 87 marking will be in the end zone commemorating the location of “The Catch,” which actually came at Candlestick Park, the team’s previous home.

The Rams-49ers matchup will serve as the 49ers’ annual alumni game, with funds raised to support Clark’s charity of choice, the Golden Heart Fund. That fund was established in 2016 to support 49ers alumni in need of financial Bengals Authentic Jerseys , medical, psychological or emotional support.

“Almost four decades ago, Dwight Clark’s miraculous catch launched the San Francisco 49ers into an era of excellence,” 49ers CEO Jed York said. “Since that time, he has served as an inspirational figure to citizens of the Bay Area and beyond. Dwight has meant so much to so many, and it is only fitting that our organization continues to carry on his wonderful legacy. The 2018 season provides us a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the life of a very special man, while also raising awareness for the Golden Heart Fund Authentic Dante Pettis Jersey , which was so dear to his heart.

“Dwight lived his life with great compassion for others, and we want to honor that legacy by raising funds to support his 49ers brothers.”

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