Ravens' Villanueva retiring after 7 seasons

Baltimore Ravens left tackle Alejandro Villanueva is calling time on his NFL career after seven seasons, the team announced Wednesday.

Villanueva spent the first six seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and made two Pro Bowls before moving over to their AFC North rivals as a free agent last year.

The Ravens originally signed the 33-year-old veteran to play right tackle but were forced to move him to left tackle - where he lined up for his entire Steelers career - after Ronnie Stanley was lost for the season in Week 1.

Villaneuva didn't begin his NFL career until he was 25 after serving as a lieutenant following his college career at Army. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for rescuing wounded soldiers while under enemy fire during one of his three deployments in Afghanistan.

Stanley is expected to be ready for next season, while Patrick Mekari is likely to remain at the right tackle spot.

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