Panthers' Wharton to announce retirement

Spartanburg, SC (SportsNetwork.com) - Offensive lineman Travelle Wharton will announce his retirement in a press conference at Carolina Panthers training camp on Tuesday.

Wharton was drafted by the Panthers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He was a starter for the Panthers for eight seasons before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals prior to the 2012 season.

The 33-year-old blew out his knee in the preseason and did not appear in a regular season game for the Bengals that year.

Wharton returned to the Panthers last season and started 12 games. For his career, Wharton started 111 of 115 games.