Colts owner and C.E.O. Jim Irsay tweeted out the news this morning that longtime offensive lineman Ryan Diem is hanging up his cleats.

ColtFans,met with Ryan D,big#71 in ur hearts n program,yesterday;he is going 2 retire,raise those new twins,we wish him happy alumnus status

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) March 23, 2012

Diem then responded on Twitter, thanking Irsay and the Colts organization.

@JimIrsay Thanks for the opportunity, Mr. Irsay!The last 11 years have been unbelievable, and I appreciate every minute of it.

— Ryan Diem (@ryandiem) March 23, 2012

Diem was drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played guard for his first three years before switching to right tackle. He played that position for seven years before switching back to guard in 2011. For years, Diem truly was an underrated, under-appreciated tackle. His play eroded significantly in recent years, but his presence in the locker room made up for his declining skills.

The Colts trading for Eagles right tackle Winston Justice this month telegraphed that Diem was unlikely to re-sign with Indy.

Diem was a tough player who always gave 100%. We wish him well in retirement. Perhaps, in the future, one of his twins can get drafted to play right tackle for new Colts quarterback Marshall Manning.

Congrats on retirement, Ryan. Wish you nothing but the best.