SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Chargers say 11-year veteran centre Nick Hardwick will announce his retirement on Tuesday.

Hardwick had been the Chargers' starter since his rookie season of 2004. Hardwick started all 136 games he played in, including 67 straight.

He suffered a neck stinger in the 2014 opener and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. The Chargers clearly missed his veteran leadership. Due to injuries, four other players started at centre last season.

The 33-year-old Hardwick was in the final year of his contract. He contemplated retiring last off-season before deciding to come back.

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