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Danny O'Neil covers the Seahawks for The Seattle Times.

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August 4, 2008 12:13 PM

Farewell to Chris Gray

The veteran of 15 NFL seasons called it quits today, out of pure necessity. He was told by Seahawks doctors that he was at risk for possible paralysis if he didn't stop football immediately after hurting his lower back on the second day of training camp. So Gray, who is married with two kids, bid farewell after a long and strong career that saw him play 208 games.

Gray came to the Seahawks in 1998 from Chicago in free agency. He came to Seattle as a center but moved to right guard for good in 2001. From 2000 to 2007, Gray missed just one game, the regular-season finale at Tampa Bay in 2006.

Gray said he still feels tingling in his legs and lower back soreness but expects to fully recover. After many years as a starter, including last season, he was slated to be a backup at center and right guard this season.

Gray was poised and even funny with his comments, revealing a side of his personality rarely seen, even by the media who cover the team day in and day out. Gray was never one to say much and downplayed his "Ironman" streak of 121 consecutive regular-season games, a team record he set in 2006.

PS from Jose -- My relationship with Chris was very cordial. He was always an approachable guy who gave honest responses, and his humility about his career and accomplishments was refreshing. Being the good-natured guy that he is, he shook mine and all the other beat writers' hands as we lined up after his news conference today to wish him well. One of the things that struck me was how proud he was that he was a big part of the the Super Bowl run in 2005.

The Seahawks placed Gray on injured reserve and brought back DL Kevin Brown, who was with the team at its May mini-camp before being released. Brown made his training camp practice debut this morning.

Seventeen players missed the morning practice, including Gray, who will not be back. TE Jeb Putzier was back, as was OT Kyle Williams for the first time since Saturday's scrimmage. Putzier had a sore hip that kept him out since last Wednesday. DL Chris Cooper did not practice this morning.

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Posted by ethan

12:40 PM, Aug 04, 2008

rest up, get fat, go hunting, eat stuff and watch movies. thank you for everything!! especially 2005.

Posted by Kenb

12:52 PM, Aug 04, 2008

Mr. Gray you will be missed thankyou for all you have done for my favorite team.

Posted by Keith

1:01 PM, Aug 04, 2008

I'll miss ya my man...You were great to us.

Posted by Craig Strelecki

1:21 PM, Aug 04, 2008

Chris, during the Super Bowl you did an interview for Christian Television. I never forgot it. You are a good man and the game will loose a good stewart.
please stay in Seattle as a coach and mentor.

Posted by Dave

2:36 PM, Aug 04, 2008

Chris, thanks for your outstanding play and dedication to the Seahawks and it's fans. You will be missed. Hope to see you surface within the hawks organization soon...... Enjoy your temporary retirement!

Posted by Henry

3:36 PM, Aug 04, 2008

C. Gray.

You're a good man! Thanks for all the hard work

Posted by AZ Hawk

5:03 PM, Aug 04, 2008

Chris,

You're what every football player should strive to be. Class act on the field and off. Team in front of individual. Thank you for your contribution to making the Hawks a winning organization.

Posted by Darrell Singh

5:12 PM, Aug 04, 2008

you were a rock - you were getting up there in the mileage, so this was probably a blessing.

But having said that, you were Mr. Seahawk in my book. You didn't the Walter Jones kind of love, but you were dependable and reliable.

You were the Joe Nash of this decade, good luck bro.

-Darrell Singh

Posted by rob

6:04 AM, Aug 05, 2008

CHRIS thank you for everything you have done for this team. I hope you can come back as a coach or assistant so you can get your superbowl ring. I will pray for your recovery

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