The Carolina Panthers have their answer on left tackle Jordan Gross' status for 2014.
The 11-year veteran  at a Wednesday news conference, the team declared Tuesday.
"I knew that this was the time for me to step away: happy, healthy and thinking fondly about my experience," , . "I didn't want to leave until I felt the team was back in a good position for sustained success. The team is there now."
General manager Dave Gettleman said last week at the that Gross was "mulling" a return, but that the left tackle "" the decision on whether or not to come back or walk away.
The 33-year-old Gross spent his entire career with the Panthers, making three s, including his final season. Pro Football Focus ranked Gross as its third-rated tackle in 2013.
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton undoubtedly will miss the stout blocker protecting his blind side.
On the latest edition of the "," the guys talk about the Jim Harbaugh drama in San Francisco and discuss who made the most striking impression at the .
