THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Former Broncos linebacker Al Wilson, sidelined with a neck injury since the end of the 2006 season, retired Wednesday.

The five-time Pro Bowler played his entire career with Denver, which drafted him out of Tennessee with the 31st overall pick in 1999.

Wilson was the undisputed leader in the locker room, even speaking at the funerals for cornerback Darrent Williams and running Damien Nash, who both died in 2007 at age 24.

The 31-year-old Wilson finished his career with 21 1/2 career sacks and five interceptions.

"He meant so much to this organization," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "I really enjoyed all the years he spent with us -- hate to see him go. He gave it everything he had every day."

Wilson hurt his neck running into a teammate on a tackle against Seattle on Dec. 3, 2006. He had to be carted off the field, the crowd giving him an ovation and chanting his name.

He was released after the season.

"He was a great player and a great friend," linebacker D.J. Williams said. "Al loved the game. Not only that, he loved his teammates."