EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The oldest active player in the NFL has retired.

New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles announced his retirement on Friday after 22 seasons and a league-record 352 consecutive games.

The 44-year-old Feagles signed a contract earlier this month to play another season, but he changed his mind in the past week or so after experiencing some physical problems while getting ready for next season.

Feagles has never missed a game in his career. He holds most of the NFL's significant punting records.

A member of the Giants for the past seven seasons, Feagles also has played for New England, Philadelphia, Arizona and Seattle. He has a 41.6-yard career gross average and a 35.9-yard net average.

The Giants drafted East Carolina punter Matt Dodge in the seventh round on Saturday as an insurance policy.

Dodge averaged 45.8 yards this past season. He was the first punter drafted by the Giants since 1997, when they took Brad Maynard in the third round.

The Giants also have former Australian rules football player Jy Bond under contract.

Feagles also is the Giants' holder on extra points and field goals.

Recently signed backup quarterback Jim Sorgi has experience holding and Coughlin said that he would get the first shot at taking over those jobs.

Feagles was the NFL's second oldest player this past season, behind New Orleans' kicker John Carney. The now 46-year-old Carney was replaced late in the season by Garrett Hartle and now serves the Saints as a kicking consultant.