Former New York Giants wide receiver Devin Thomas has decided to retire from the NFL.

God has blessed me w achieving a childhood dream. I want to give back to my hometown and coach/mentor kids so they can reach their own. 1LUV

— Devin Thomas (@IamDevinThomas) August 5, 2012

Thomas, you recall, was one of the heroes of the Giants' NFC Championship Game victory over the San Francisco 49ers last season, recovering two fumbled punts by Kyle Williams.

Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Bears in March, ostensibly in an effort to find a team where he could play more on offense. Thomas, 25, was a second-round pick of the Washington Redskins in 2008. He caught three passes for the Giants last season and returned 25 kickoffs for an averaged of 24.3 yards per return.

He ends his five-year career with 43 receptions. See SB Nation's Windy City Gridiron for more thoughts on Thomas.

Here is a little more on Thomas, from Ebenezer Samuel of the Daily News:

"Football it's just a game. I enjoyed playing it for awhile. I had my greatest moments obviously with the Giants. I just felt my spirit going other ways. I just felt it was a good time to let the game go," Thomas said. "I think this is a perfect time. I won a championship. That's the whole purpose of me playing the game anyway...I accomplished my childhood dream."