Patrick Mannelly retires after 16-year NFL career

[Duvall]

245 games.

The flawless precision with which Pat Mannelly went about his job snapping the football for 16 years and the leadership he brought to the locker room as the most tenured player in Chicago Bears history are reasons why the club waited this deep into the offseason for an answer from the veteran.

General manager Phil Emery, coach Marc Trestman and special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis have said it publicly numerous times: The door was open for Mannelly to return after he underwent hip surgery.

But multiple sources told the Tribune that Mannelly, 39, will announce his retirement Friday, meaning the team will have a new permanent long snapper this season for the first time since 1997.

[Listen to Quants]

245 games.

Bears lose a great long snapper. He worked at his craft hard. Said to be able to snap a football through an open window of a passing car There were few punts blocked for those 16 years as he hit the punter's hands with the ball very fast. He also worked to get down field and make tackles, and got quite a few. He will be missed. RetireInPeace.

[ChicagoCrazy84]

Patrick Mannelly, best long snapper in NFL history. Amazing he spent 16 years doing it. Enjoy retirement Pat!

[CDu]

The Mann has long been a HUGE fan favorite in Chicago. His retirement has been rough on Bears fans. Best of luck to him after a long and successful career. He will be missed!