Haitian-American Giovani Bernard Retires Ending A Classy 10-Year Career with Cincinati Bengals

After a productive decade in the NFL, veteran running back Giovani Bernard announced his retirement

Ten years to virtually the moment former running back Giovani Bernard entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick, he went out as classy as he came in when one of the most productive Bengals ever announced his retirement before Friday's second round.

Then he went to the beach with wife Chloe and 16-month-old son Julian, enjoying the fruits of staying home in his native South Florida instead of getting ready for another round of OTAs.

"To be able to get out of it healthy, to get out of it with my mind sharp, my body feels good and I chugged it out to (year) ten," Bernard said. "I'm excited to get to the next phase."

The next phase is pretty much an expansion of the old as he looks to build on his real estate holdings.

"One hundred percent," said Bernard, when he was asked if he was shooting for any symmetry with the draft day of retirement. "People talk about it as a life-changing experience. But for me it was a moment of gratitude.

Bernard gave back to Haiti by building a school in honor of his mother.

Top photos: Giovani in play, below left working to build school in Haiti in honor of his Mom (deceased) at right.