BUFFALO, N.Y. — Eric Wood’s first NFL career playoff appearance will have to be his last.

The Buffalo Bills veteran center and respected leader stunningly revealed on Friday that a debilitating neck injury has left him with no choice but to retire after nine seasons.

In a statement released by the Bills on the team’s Twitter account, Wood said the injury was discovered during his season-ending physical.

Wood added he has since been informed by doctors that the injury is so severe he would no longer be cleared to play — even with surgery or further treatment.

“I appreciate and thank everyone for their thoughts, concerns and prayers,” Wood said, noting he will have more to say during a news conference scheduled to take place at the Bills headquarters on Monday.