Two-time All-Pro Ned Crotty announces retirement
By PLL | Apr 12, 2022
Chrome LC midfielder Ned Crotty has announced his retirement from professional lacrosse. The 12-year veteran earned All-Pro honors in 2011 and 2012 at attack before moving to midfield.
Crotty ranks 17th all-time in career points (351) and 8th all-time in career assists (179). The former Duke Blue Devil won a MLL Championship with the 2015 New York Lizards and a gold medal with Team USA in 2018.
Crotty released the following statement via his Instagram account:
It's crazy to think that I stumbled along the game of lacrosse as a 5th grader in 1998 and am now just ending my career 24 years later. Along the way, I met unbelievable people, created lifelong relationships, accomplished things I dreamt about as a little kid and made some of the best memories of my life. Lacrosse has given me so much, and although I struggle walking away from the game, I can do so confidently knowing that I gave the sport everything that I had.
When you're fortunate enough to have played the game for as long as I have, there are so many people that have been instrumental in my development, growth and success — too many to thank individually in an insta post, but I especially want to thank:
All of my hockey and lacrosse coaches for all of the time, patience and support you have given me. I have had the fortune of playing for some of the greatest leaders and men an athlete could ever hope for. You've played a huge role in my life — both athletically and personally — and for that I am beyond grateful. To each and every one of you, thank you.
All of my teammates, I love you and you're a huge reason why I continued to play for so long. I'll miss the travel, the hangouts, the locker room, the pranks, the arguments, the laughs, the wins and the losses — all of the things that turn a bunch of individuals into a team.
My siblins, Alexandra, Sarah, Joe, Martha and Gigi — from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything and always supporting me. Uncle Ned will be around a lot more now!
My Mom and Dad -- I could have, and probably should have, made this entire post about you two. Thank you for getting me to all my different events growing up, always being at my games and reminding me that no matter what happens, good or bad, championship win or loss, the sun will come up the next day and that life goes on.
To lacrosse, hockey and team sports in general, thank you, it's been a hell of a ride.
—Ned, Nedzo, Needles, Deuces, 2's, Uncle Ned, Crotts