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New England Patriots hard-hitting safety Rodney Harrison, equally adept at rushing the passer, tackling ball carriers and defending receivers, has announced his retirement after 15 NFL seasons.

Harrison, 36, spent the last six seasons with the Patriots after playing nine years with the San Diego Chargers (1994-2002).

He retires as the only NFL player to record at least 30 career sacks and at least 30 interceptions and his 906 solo tackles leads all defensive backs.

"Rodney Harrison is one of the best players I have ever coached," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement.

"In the biggest games, in any situation and on a weekly basis, his production was phenomenal."

Twice Harrison was named to the Pro Bowl team with the Chargers before joining the Patriots as a free agent.

He led New England in tackles in each of his first two seasons and started every regular-season and playoff game in helping the team win back-to-back Super Bowl championships.

Harrison intercepted six passes in the Patriots' six playoff games during that two-year championship run.

After playing just three games in 2005 before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, Harrison returned to start 10 games in 2006 as the Patriots defense allowed a franchise-low 10 touchdown passes all season.

In 2007, he played in 12 games with 11 starts and started all three playoff games as the Patriots became the first NFL team to complete a 16-0 regular season.

Harrison started the first six games last season before suffering a thigh injury which ended his campaign.

"For the past six years, Rodney was a leader in the locker room and a tenacious defender on the field," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said.

"He gave the Patriots, and the game of football, everything he had on every play."

Eurosport