Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Ronde Barber is to announce his decision to retire from the NFL on Thursday at 7pm GMT.

The 38-year-old has spent his entire career with the Florida-based franchise, with the player saying that the past 16 years have been better than he could have imagined.

"I've had a better run than I ever could've dreamed of having," Barber told Fox Sports.

Buccaneers co-chairman Joel Glazer was quick to pay tribute to the five-time Pro Bowl player.

"Ronde is synonymous with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, establishing himself as one of our franchise's iconic players over a 16-year, Hall of Fame-worthy career," Glazer is quoted as saying.

"When anyone thinks of Ronde, they think of a true professional and leader. He approached every day the same, giving everything he had to make himself and his teammates the best they could be. We will miss him."

Barber made 1,234 tackles in the 241 games played in his career.