While the Miami Heat have been adding players on an hourly basis, the other team in town looks like it is losing its biggest player.

Jason Ferguson, the Dolphins' anchor nose tackle, is calling it quits after 13 seasons in the league, the past two in Miami.

The NFL suspended Ferguson for the first eight games of next season for violating the league's performing-enhancement drug policy, but the team was expected to lean on him once he was eligible to play.

“You get what you put into this game," 35-year-old Ferguson said in a statement. "I would like to thank my family, the fans and the organizations that I have been a part of for their continued support throughout my career, it’s been an absolute blessing to play this long.

"I have built a lot of relationships, you develop an extended family playing this game; I would like to thank that extended family, the teammates, the coaches, the support staffs that have all played a part of a great ride.”

The abrupt retirement puts added pressure on the Dolphins' first round draft pick Jared Odrick, who may be called on to fill the role.

With Joey Porter and Jason Taylor both gone in free agency, the Dolphins will be very young and inexperienced on the defensive line.