Veteran linebacker Brandon Copeland retired from the NFL on Monday.
In explaining his decision, Copeland referenced advice he had received from his grandfather, Roy Hilton, who spent 11 years in the league. He told ESPN's Michael Rothstein that Hilton suggested his grandson not play as long as he did.
Copeland logged seven years in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.
In 2020, the 32-year-old was honored as the recipient of the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award, which annually recognizes a player's contributions to community service.