San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick has revealed that he will return to the club for the 2014 season after putting off thoughts of retirement.
The 33-year-old admitted that he was considering quitting the game following his side's loss in the divisional round of the playoffs to the Denver Broncos.
Hardwick told U-T San Diego: "I told them I expect to play next season. I'm excited about it. I wanted to take a month off where I didn't have to think about football.
"I just wanted to be honest with where my body is, where my brain is, where we're at and where we want to go. Just give an honest assessment. My body feels great. My brain feels great. I do think there's better football ahead of me."
Hardwick has been with the Chargers since he was drafted by the club in 2004.