From 2001-2004, Josh Cribbs totaled 86 touchdowns as the Flashes’ dual-threat quarterback. That still didn’t get Cribbs an immediate spot on an NFL team as the 2005 NFL Draft came and went, Cribbs said.

All that changed on April 29, 2005, however, when the Cleveland Browns signed him, forever changing Cribbs’ career path.

That path officially came to an end Wednesday when Cribbs announced his formal retirement from the NFL.

“I had a great run that I had nothing to be ashamed about or look down on,” Cribbs told clevelandbrowns.com. “I felt like I have nothing but great memories in playing in the NFL. I can now look myself in the mirror and say I’m done.”

Cribbs is tied for fifth all time with 11 combined return touchdowns and is tied for third in NFL history with 13,488 career return yards. Cribbs also tied an NFL record on Dec. 20, 2009, when he returned two kickoffs more than 100 yards for touchdowns. 

Cribbs — who was named to the NFL’s all decade team of the 2000s — spent eight seasons with the Browns, three of which were Pro Bowl seasons.

Cribbs returned to Kent State this past fall when he served as the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal — something he felt honored about. 

“I am extremely honored,” Cribbs told KentWired in the fall. “Kent State is where I started my life. I met my wife here, started my family here, I played football here — which gave me the chance to play in the NFL — and I earned my (bachelor’s) degree in communications from Kent State. This place is a very important part of my life.”

Cribbs last played in the NFL in 2014 as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

Henry Palattella is the sports editor, contact him at [email protected].