Former Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble is retiring

Former Panthers CB Chris Gamble is retiring, per ESPN's Josina Anderson. Gamble was released by the Panthers on Friday to put the team under the salary cap. The cornerback missed most of the 2012 season with a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Following his release, Gamble told his agent Carl Poston that he wants to focus on "life after football."

"A number of teams have expressed interest in Chris Gamble. However, Chris informed me last night that he wants to retire," Gamble told Anderson. "Even though he still loves football, he told me that he's decided to focus on life after football. Chris has been a class act. I have represented him for nine years, ever since he came out of Ohio State. He's been an ideal client and he was one of the best corners in game. He's doing it the right way. He has taken care of his money and his investments to retire successfully, and now I wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Gamble played in 123 career regular-season games with 117 starts, the most by a cornerback in franchise history. He is also the franchise leader in career interceptions at 27. The report of Gamble's retirement comes on his 30th birthday.