Karl Malone has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball.

The NBA star made the announcement at the home arena of the Utah Jazz, the team he played with for 18 seasons.

Malone, 41, promised he wouldn't attempt to make a comeback.

He received the nickname "the Mailman" for his ability to deliver in key games.

Karl Malone was drafted by the Jazz in 1985 out of Louisiana Tech University with the 13th overall pick.

Malone received the NBA Most Valuable Player Award twice while playing for Jazz in the 1996-1997 and 1998-1999 seasons. He was also selected to eleven consecutive All-NBA First Teams from 1988-1989 to 1998-1999, two All-NBA Second Teams and one All-NBA Third Team.

Over his 19 year career in the NBA, Malone never won a championship ring.