Dublin GAA published the player's retirement statement from Ballymun Kickhams.

“The time has come for me to hang up the Blue jersey and end my playing career with the Dublin senior football team,” Rock stated.

“I now step aside fulfilled, knowing that I made the most of the opportunity that was given to me.”

Speaking to RTÉ's Six One News, Rock continued, saying that he had more success with Dublin than he had ever imagined.

“I've been very fortunate to win eight All-Ireland Senior Football Championships and it's something that when you start off your career, if you win one, you're extremely happy,” he stated.

“But to win eight and to play alongside some of the best players that have ever played the game is certainly something that is incredible and something that you aspire to do as a kid.”

Son of former Dublin corner-forward Barney, who won an All-Ireland championship with the capital in 1983, Rock made his inter-county debut in the league season of 2012 under Pat Gilroy, but he didn't really make an impact until the following year under Jim Gavin, his successor.

He would go on to become a crucial component in Dublin football's greatest era after winning his first All-Ireland medal in 2013 as a substitute. He would take up free-taking responsibilities throughout the team's six-game winning streak from 2015 to 2020.

In addition to scoring the fastest goal in the history of an All-Ireland decider scoring the first goal in the opening play of the 2020 final he is renowned for nailing the game-winning basket in the unforgettable 2017 All-Ireland final victory over Mayo.

He passed Jimmy Keaveney as Dublin's all-time top scorer in 2020, concluding with 24-591 (663) throughout his career.

Rock left the starting lineup in 2023, but he was still able to have an effect coming off the bench. He scored the game's lone goal against Monaghan in the semi-final and converted a last-minute point against Kerry in the championship game to help Dublin win the All-Ireland title again.