S Chris Banjo retires, begins NFL coaching career

Safety Chris Banjo announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday, with a job waiting for him on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos.

In a tweet on his 33rd birthday, Banjo said he was thankful for the "journey ... memories ... and teammates turned family."

Banjo, undrafted out of SMU, signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2013. He also played for the New Orleans Saints under new Broncos head coach Sean Payton and spent the past four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

He is joining Payton's newly assembled staff in Denver as assistant special teams coach. Last season with the Cardinals, he played 81 percent of snaps in his 13 appearances.

In 131 career games (seven starts), Banjo had 143 tackles, eight passes defensed, three interceptions, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.