Ex-Bears, Colts LB Jerrell Freeman retires from NFL

Linebacker Jerrell Freeman retired from the NFL on Wednesday, saying in a statement on Twitter that "my health and my family are my top priorities."

The Chicago Bears released Freeman on Feb. 20 after the linebacker spent two seasons with the team.He played four seasons in Indianapolis, registering at least 100 tackles in three of those seasons before signing a three-year deal with Chicago in 2016.

Freeman, 31, was suspended 10 games last season for a second violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The Bears placed Freeman on injured reserve in Week 2 after the veteran tore a pectoral muscle in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, but Freeman suggested that the concussion he also suffered in the game contributed to the latest suspension.

Freeman, who was voted a team captain before Week 1, missed four games in 2016 for his first violation of the PED policy but still finished with a team-high 110 tackles.

ESPN's Jeff Dickerson contributed to this report.