San Diego Chargers linebacker Jarret Johnson announced his retirement on Tuesday after 12 NFL seasons.

Johnson posted a message Tuesday on his Instagram site: “Today I am announcing my retirement from the game I love. I lived a dream, which few can say, but it’s time to move on. I want to thank the Chargers organization for giving me a home these past three years. I have nothing but respect for the players, coaches, front office staff and fans that were apart (sic) of me and my families (sic) lives. It’s been a great ride!!

“I also want to thank my Baltimore family. Where I learned to be a pro and conduct yourself like a warrior on the field. Where I spent 9 of the best years of my life.”

Johnson played in 197 games, including 143 starts. He played his first nine seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, and the last three with the Chargers.

He had 713 career tackles, 27.5 sacks, 36 tackles for loss and three interceptions. He was selected as the Chargers’ most inspirational player each of the past two seasons.

“JJ is the definition of professional,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a statement. “He was a leader on the field and in the locker room. He is everything you want in an NFL player, and I’m honored to have worked with him.”

Johnson appeared in 15 games for the Chargers in 2014, missing just one game, on Sept. 14, so he could be with his wife for the birth of the couple’s second child. He had 57 tackles, six tackles for loss and a sack last year.

“Jarret is the ultimate pro,” Chargers coach Mike McCoy said in a statement. “He is someone that you love to have represent your organization both on and off the football field. For younger players, he was a guy to watch and see how he not only played the game, but how he practiced and how hard he worked. It was second to none. That’s why he’s had the career he’s had. As a head coach, we can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for us and this organization the past few years. I wish him and his family all the best.”

Chargers safety Darrell Stuckey posted on Twitter, “The game we play & love is going to miss one of its great competitors, Jarret Johnson… A man of integrity, selflessness, and resilience”