Jarret Johnson will retire as a Raven

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The Ravens' ironman will sign a one-day contract with the Ravens after 12-year career in the NFL.

For nearly a decade, the Ravens knew they could count on Jarret Johnson.

The outside linebacker was as consistent as anyone on Baltimore’s roster, playing in a then franchise-record 129-straight games during his nine seasons in Baltimore. The hard-nosed defender became a fan favorite as the Ravens’ ironman, and he also grew to love the franchise that drafted him as a fourth-round pick in 2003.

“Baltimore was home,” Johnson told BaltimoreRavens.com Tuesday night.

Even when Johnson left in free agency to join the San Diego Chargers in 2011, he still viewed himself as a Raven for life.

And that’s why after calling it a career after 12 NFL seasons, Johnson will retire a Raven. Johnson officially announced his retirement from the NFL last week, and the Ravens plan to invite him to return to Baltimore this offseason to sign a ceremonial one-day contract.

“It would be an honor to retire a Raven,” Johnson said.

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