Jason Taylor’s usual self-deprecating remarks, delivered weekly since 1997, came Wednesday without the usual secure smile or regal bearing that often undercut his words.

One of the Dolphins locker room’s regular spokesmen didn’t look quite as sad as he does after a Sunday loss, but definitely more uncomfortable before the small interview room cramped with media.

Then again, in those situations, Taylor, 37, always talked up next week, next year. On Wednesday, the NFL’s active sacks leader officially announced he would have no next year after this week.

“In the last few weeks, I thought about it more,” Taylor said. “I talked to some people about it. I kind of figured this is the right move to make and this is the right time to do it. It’s been a tough year, unfortunately. While we’ve had some good times, we’ve had a lot of bad times this year, too. This organization in the near future is going to make some changes. I think part of those changes is needing to address some personnel positions. This is the right time for me to go and allow this organization to improve.”

Taylor’s football legacy as an individual is set — sixth all-time in sacks with 139, an NFL-record six fumble returns for touchdowns, nine touchdowns overall. He’s got three elementary school-aged children, but said his wife and mother of his kids, Katina Taylor, left the retirement decision up to him.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross released a three-paragraph statement that read, in part, “Jason exemplifies what it means to be a professional athlete and a role model. While he may be retiring as a player, he will always remain an integral part of the Dolphin family, contributing to the team and the community he has grown to love.”

Although he acknowledged nothing would replace the competitiveness of the NFL, Taylor insisted the lure of competition and camaraderie wouldn’t pull him back to a locker room when training camps start late next fall.

“Look, Sunday is my last game,” Taylor said. “I am going to go ahead and walk away hopefully healthy, get through this next one, this last one, preferably win the game and sail off in the sunset for a while. I’m not going to even leave the door open for that stuff. As a matter of fact, I may change my cell phone number so they can’t get me.”

His production this season all but guarantees he probably could find an NFL job next season.

“He’s a football player’s role model,” Dolphins defensive lineman Tony McDaniel said. “Look how long he’s been in the league and look what he’s still doing. He’s retiring this year, he already has seven sacks, and it doesn’t feel like he’s played as much as he normally plays.”

Despite being in a reserve role most of the season, Taylor’s remained one of the team leaders. Offensive tackle Vernon Carey said Taylor’s leadership helped keep the team from crashing after the 0-7 start.

“He’s a special guy,” said Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall, a frequent Taylor foe in the locker room dominoes games. “His character and leadership will be missed around here. I had the privilege of playing with him for a year. We need that presence in our locker room. Hopefully, guys like myself and other guys can come together and replace that.”

Jets coach Rex Ryan, who coached Taylor for one season, called Taylor a “no-brainer” Hall of Fame player and credited him with being a hugely positive influence on the Jets despite being in New York for just the 2010 season.

“His leadership and the way he motivated, the way he would talk to players, always had time for guys,” Ryan said. “People leaned on him [and] asked him questions, but it was just his persona. This guy would run scout team running back for us. [He was] always the same person every single day, had a smile on his face, a great, great person, [and] he was like a young kid out there. That’s why it’s interesting that he would retire. He’s so full of energy, spirit and everything else. Wow, he was just one of those special people that you’re lucky to be around. I wish he retired before we play. That would be better.”

That Taylor’s last game would be against the Jets, whose logo he threw the ball against after the last of his fumble return touchdowns in 2009, whose fans he disparaged and who he played with during one of his two non-Dolphins season, seems appropriate.

“I really want to stress that this is not about me while there may be hoopla through the week and all that,” Taylor said. “That is very humbling and appreciative. I appreciate it. This is about this team trying to win one more ballgame. And they’ll kick ole 99 out the door and move on to the next one, so I’ll find something to do. Might take some time, but I’ll find it.”