Steve Smith is retiring from the NFL after dealing with ongoing knee issues.

Smith was a second round pick by the New York Giants in 2007 and caught 245 balls for 2,641 yards and 12 touchdowns during 64 career NFL games.

"I've been blessed to play the game that I love at the highest level for the past six years. I will always cherish my time with the New York Giants and our Super Bowl victory in 2007," Smith said in a statement through the Bucs.

"This was not an easy decision," Smith added, "but it's the right decision for me at this time."

Smith played for the St. Louis Rams last season and was most recently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.