FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — On Friday morning, former Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu announced his retirement from the NFL on social media.

"After 10+ years in the NFL, my playing chapter is closing," Sanu wrote on X. Grateful for every coach, teammate & fan. Excited to give back through coaching & share the game in a new way with the @FactsOverStats Podcast. The journey continues…"

Sanu was part of one of the most successful stretches in franchise history, serving as a reliable No. 2 option for quarterback Matt Ryan opposite of All-Pro receiver Julio Jones, who also announced his retirement earlier this spring

The Falcons acquired Sanu prior to the 2016 season, and he enjoyed the best period of his career in Atlanta while working with current head coach Raheem Morris who was the team's receivers coach at the time. During his four seasons with the Falcons, Sanu caught 225 passes for 2,507 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 14 times for 62 yards and completed two passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns.

"To watch him retire is kind of like touching to me," Morris said Friday. "Bringing him in, he was my free agent. We went to the Super Bowl together, obviously we had a great run. I remember trading him to the Patriots, how sad it was, how emotional it got for me and him."

Sanu proved to be a trusted target for Ryan, catching 71.9 percent of the passes thrown his way. A go-to player on third downs, 130 of Sanu's 225 receptions resulted in a first down for the Falcons. He was an important part of Atlanta's march to the Super Bowl during the 2016 season and caught a touchdown pass in both the NFC divisional round and conference title game. The Falcons traded Sanu to the Patriots midway through the 2019 season for a second-round pick.

Initially drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Sanu ultimately spent 10 seasons playing in the league. He spent four with the Bengals, three-and-a-half with the Falcons, the other half-season with the New England Patriots, two with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Detroit Lions. In his 10 years, Sanu caught 435 passes for 4,871 yards and scored 29 total touchdowns. His yardage total ranks 45th and his touchdown total ranks 51st among all wide receivers from 2012-21.