Kuechenberg, Dieken, Bussey Retiring After 50 NFL Seasons

Three of the most durable veterans in the National Football League, with 50 years’ service among them, are retiring.

Miami Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg is retiring after 15 years because of an eye problem, it was reported. The Miami Herald said a source close to the team confirmed that Kuechenberg, the last active Dolphin remaining from the perfect 1972 season, will soon make a formal announcement of his retirement.

Kuechenberg, 38, sat out the 1984 season with blurred vision from an eye injury suffered during summer training camp. He underwent successful surgery for the ailment last month. Doctors had diagnosed the problem as damage to nerves and to the superior oblique muscle of the left eye of the six-time Pro Bowl performer.

Cleveland Browns veteran Doug Dieken, who never missed a game in 14 seasons at left tackle, announced his retirement.

Dieken, 36, spent his entire career with Cleveland and, despite numerous injuries, played in 203 consecutive games, more than any player in Browns’ history.

“My brain convinced my body that the pain (from accumulated injuries) is greater than I want it to be,” Dieken said.

Dexter Bussey has retired after 11 years as a running back with the Detroit Lions. Bussey, 33, was the Lions’ fourth-round draft pick out of Texas Arlington in 1974.

Bussey is the team’s second-leading rusher, with 1,203 carries for 5,105 yards and 18 touchdowns, one yard behind Billy Sims.