Ex-Giant Domenik Hixon tears ACL, retires from NFL

Ex-Giant Domenik Hixon announced his retirement from the NFL following his third ACL tear. The news was broken on Hixon's Facebook fan page.

Sad day to hear my brother @domenik_hixon tore his ACL for the 3rd time. #StillBlessed #Frat

— Chase Blackburn (@Blackburn5793) May 28, 2014

"I tore my ACL today for the 3rd time today! I'm disappointed that I won't be playing for a bears team that has the players and coaches to WIN the Super Bowl. I thank God for letting me live my dream of playing in the NFL for 8 years plus. It has truly been FUN! #blessed #lovethisgame."

After spending last season with the Carolina Panthers where he registered seven receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown, Hixon signed with the Chicago Bears in March. He never played a down before his latest injury.

Hixon was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos before being traded to the Giants in 2007. Throughout the ensuing six years, Hixon was a staple on the Giants' special teams units as a kick returner and punt returner, while also servicing as a reliable wide receiver.

In 2007, Hixon averaged 27.6 yards per kick return and 22.6 in 2009. Hixon averaged over 10 yards per punt return in 2008 and 2009. As a receiver, the 6-2, 197-pound Akron alum had a career-year in 2008, catching 43 passes for 596 yards and two scores.

While reliable when in the lineup, Hixon twice missed large portions of the season tearing his ACL. In 2010, Hixon was injured in a practice held in front of fans at Metlife Stadium. In 2011, he was injured in the second game of the season on an acrobatic catch versus the St. Louis Rams.

At 29 years old, Hixon will retire with two Super Bowl championships.