The Associated Press

KIRKLAND, Wash. — The last day of Chris Gray’s unsung career was the first day he got star treatment.

“So this is what (Matt) Hasselbeck goes through every day,” the invaluable yet relatively anonymous Seahawks offensive lineman joked as he sat in front of cameras and microphones Monday to announce he was retiring on the eve of his 16th NFL season.

At least he could joke. And walk.

Seattle’s record holder for consecutive games played at 121 from 1999 to 2006 is retiring because of a lower back and spine injury that had doctors telling him he risked paralysis if he continued playing.

“There wasn’t much of a choice. Once they told me the seriousness, I couldn’t risk being confined to a wheelchair just to play a 16th year,” the 38-year-old Gray said.

That was after a handshake and warm pat on the back from Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, one of 11 passers and two Hall of Famers Gray protected as a center and guard for Miami, Chicago and Seattle since 1993.

Gray made his announcement nine days after he felt his back pop while hitting a blocking sled in training camp. Then Saturday, three team doctors told him he should quit while he could literally walk away.

“I have two young kids and a wife who has supported me the whole time. It would be fun to spend time with them,” while healthy, Gray said in his Southern drawl of spouse Julie, daughter Grace and son Matthew.

He is the second Seahawk forced into retirement by a potentially crippling injury in 10 months. Former Pro Bowl fullback Mack Strong quit last October after waking up for a game in Pittsburgh with his arm tingling. Doctors told the 36-year-old Strong he had a herniated disk in his neck that was pinching his spinal cord.

Doctors — including team physician Stan Herring, a spine specialist — told Gray as long as he rehabilitates and stays away from 320-pound defensive lineman banging into him, he should maintain relatively good health. That will allow him to pursue his next job he joked about.

“I’m talking to the team about a marketing deal. Kind of like the Brett Favre thing, you know?” he said, a reference to the reported megamillions the Green Bay Packers offered the now un-retired quarterback in vain to stay away from training camp.

“It’s not for $20 million. But a couple hundred Gs? It would work,” Gray deadpanned.