Tag: retire

Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Shaq Leonard (53) celebrates during a Texans' possession during the second quarter of the game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at NRG Stadium in Houston. Indianapolis Colts Versus Houston Texans On Sunday Dec 5 2021 At Nrg Stadium In Houston Texas

3-time All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard to retire with Colts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard officially will retire from the NFL this weekend.

The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that Leonard will call it a career at halftime of their home game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. He will hold a press conference that morning at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Leonard played parts of his first six seasons with the Colts, who selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He promptly won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and was named as a first-team All-Pro that season after leading the league in tackles with 163.

Leonard, 30, was named as a first-team All-Pro in both 2020 and 2021 and was named to three Pro Bowls (2019-21). He led the NFL with eight forced fumbles in 2021.

Leonard became the highest-paid linebacker in the league in August 2021 when he signed a five-year, $98.5 million extension. He was released by the Colts in November 2023 after he became frustrated with his playing time.

“Colts Nation will always remember The Maniac’s palpable energy on the field with each tackle, interception, punchout, and fumble recovery,” late Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay said in a statement after Leonard’s release. “Off the field, he’s a servant leader and assisted numerous families in both his hometown and the Indianapolis community. We’re thankful for Shaq and the contributions he made to our organization. We wish him and his beautiful family the best moving forward.”

Leonard, who finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, totaled 637 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, 16 sacks and 12 interceptions in 75 games (71 starts).

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants running back Matt Breida (31) catches a pass before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Report: RB Matt Breida to retire after seven seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Veteran running back Matt Breida plans to retire after seven NFL seasons, ESPN reported on Thursday.

Breida, 30, spent time in training camp with the San Francisco 49ers last year but was released prior to the season. He did not play for an NFL club in 2024.

Per ESPN, Breida also declined a requested workout by the Miami Dolphins during this offseason.

He rushed for 2,652 yards and nine touchdowns in 98 career games for the 49ers (2017-19), Dolphins (2020), Buffalo Bills (2021) and New York Giants (2022-23). He also had 120 catches for 935 yards and six scores.

He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Southern.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) during the Who Dat chant during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

TE Jimmy Graham set to retire with the Saints

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tight end Jimmy Graham confirmed a report from the New Orleans Saints’ team website that he plans to officially announce his retirement in the near future.

Graham, 38, is expected to make this announcement as a member of the Saints, with whom he spent the first five seasons of his career before rejoining the club in 2023 for his final 13 NFL games.

“What a journey,” the five-time Pro Bowl selection posted on X. He also included black and gold hearts and a praying hands emoji.

Graham recorded 719 receptions for 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns in 197 career games with the Saints (2010-14, 2023), Seattle Seahawks (2015-17), Green Bay Packers (2018-19) and Chicago Bears (2020-21).

Graham, who did not play in 2024, was selected by New Orleans in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Including the playoffs, his 94 career touchdowns rank fifth all-time among tight ends.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Retired Derek Carr: Didn’t want to ‘just take the Saints money’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Derek Carr announced his retirement last month, a decision that saw him forgo $30 million by opting against shoulder surgery.

Had he gone under the knife, the veteran quarterback still would have been paid by the New Orleans Saints despite being sidelined for the duration of the 2025 season.

“That part was tough because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and — it sounds crazy but — just take the Saints’ money,” Carr told Front Office Sports in a story published on Wednesday.

“I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery. And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100 percent, and so that doesn’t help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”

The Saints disclosed that Carr had a labral tear and “significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.”

Carr, 34, signed a four-year, $150 million contract with New Orleans in 2023.

“I never played just for the money,” he said. “I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and, ‘Man, I would never have done that.’ That’s all cool, but I’ve gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn’t really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that’s really all that mattered.”

The Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft in April. They also have 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler and 2023 fourth-round selection Jake Haener on the roster.

Carr was 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans over two seasons, although he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Carr threw for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions in 169 games for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis (84) makes a catch against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Free agent TE Marcedes Lewis, 41, envisions 2025 season as last

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Free agent tight end Marcedes Lewis is planning to hang up his cleats at the end of the 2025 season.

Lewis, 41, announced his plans on the “Up & Adams” show on Thursday.

“Mentally, I’m going into it saying this is going to be my last year,” Lewis told host Kay Adams. “Obviously to have 19 amazing years and the journey’s been great.”

Lewis has played in all 17 games over the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears.

“I’m still playing almost 30 percent of the plays now, and it’s not as if I’m just this old guy or I can’t stay healthy,” he said. “I think I’ve missed like 18 games in 19 years. Durable, I’m still doing my thing. I still practice hard. I’m still a student. I’m learning. I’m not in meetings acting as if I know it all. I think that’s what keeps me locked in and my seatbelt on.”

Lewis ranks first all-time among tight ends in career games played (285). He surpassed Jason Witten (271) and Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (270) last season, during which he had one catch for 2 yards.

A first-round pick by Jacksonville in 2006, Lewis has 437 career catches for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Jaguars (2006-17), Green Bay Packers (2018-22) and Bears. He made the Pro Bowl in 2010.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Report: Derek Carr’s camp gauged outside interest before retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Several weeks before he announced his retirement, then-New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was putting out feelers to other NFL teams, ESPN reported Friday.

Carr’s representative spoke with at least two teams that may have had interest in signing a veteran quarterback on the eve of the new league year, according to the report. The front offices of those teams were “made aware” that Carr could be open to finding a new team.

Carr was entering Year 3 of a four-year, $150 million deal he signed with New Orleans in 2023. ESPN reported that Carr had not been given formal permission to speak with other teams earlier this year.

However, he retired from the NFL last Saturday for medical reasons. The Saints said Carr had a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff damage to his right throwing shoulder.

The timing of Carr’s injury news, which was first reported in April, left some questions. Carr said he began experiencing discomfort in that shoulder since a Dec. 8 game against the New York Giants in which he hurt his left, non-throwing hand.

The Saints have a new regime in place with head coach Kellen Moore replacing Dennis Allen, who was fired after a 2-7 start to the 2024 season. New Orleans has quarterbacks Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and second-round draft pick Tyler Shough on the roster now.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Saints QB Derek Carr retiring after 11 seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons due to a right shoulder injury.

The Saints said Saturday that Carr had a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff damage to his right throwing shoulder.

Carr, 34, had been experiencing discomfort in his shoulder since sustaining a left hand injury during a game against the New York Giants on Dec. 8.

“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with (wife) Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”

The Saints, in their statement, said Carr made the decision after consulting with medical experts.

“Surgery was an option, jeopardizing the entire 2025 season, yet there was no guarantee Derek would return to the level of strength, function and performance of play to which he was accustomed,” the team said.

The Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft last month. They also have 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler and 2023 fourth-round selection Jake Haener on the roster.

Carr was 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans over two seasons, although he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State.

–Field Level Media

Dec 9, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) stands on the field before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Bengals DE Sam Hubbard, 29, retires

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday after seven seasons with the team.

Hubbard, 29, was voted a team captain in each of his final four seasons with the Bengals. He was the longest-tenured player on the team’s roster.

The Cincinnati native recorded 41 tackles and two sacks in 14 games (all starts) in 2024 before sustaining a season-ending PCL injury in a game against the Tennessee Titans. Prior to that, Hubbard had a 2-yard touchdown catch in the Bengals’ 37-27 victory over the Titans.

“I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, Bengals ownership, and the NFL for everything you all have done for me,” Hubbard said on social media. “I could not have done any of this alone. To the fans — Who Dey Nation — I thank you the most; you inspired me. From the years of struggle and adversity to Super Bowl LVI, you never stopped believing. I hope I made you proud.”

Hubbard had 398 tackles, 38.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 104 career games (88 starts) since he was selected by Cincinnati in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Hubbard also was a two-time nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The award recognizes a league player for their work off the field, as well as excellence on the field.

“Sam always has been and always will be a wonderful part of the Bengals organization and the entire Cincinnati community,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement. “Growing up here, he was a top youth athlete on local gridirons and lacrosse fields before becoming a standout football player at Ohio State. We were fortunate to draft him in 2018, and we immediately knew that we added an outstanding player and an even better person to our team.

“Sam epitomizes what you want in a player — he’s a great teammate, a talented athlete and a passionate community member. He helped us win a lot of football games, and he had a number of very memorable plays over the years. His 98-yard fumble recovery return in the wild card win over Baltimore is one of the most iconic touchdowns in team history. It has been my honor to watch him play his entire NFL career for his hometown team. We thank him for the memories he created as ‘Cincinnati’s Own.’”

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) celebrates after making a a field goal during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

K Mason Crosby retires as member of Packers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby is retiring as a member of the team, general manager Brian Gutekunst announced Wednesday.

The Packers selected Crosby in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and he stayed with the team through the 2022 season. In that time, he became the Green Bay franchise leader in career points (1,918), field goals (395), 50-yard field goals (43) and extra points (733).

Crosby, 40, became a free agent following the 2022 season and played in three games with the New York Giants in 2023. He currently hosts The Mason Crosby Show on 105.7 The Fan radio in Milwaukee.

He played in 258 regular-season games and 23 in the postseason for Green Bay. He also is the franchise leader for games played and consecutive games played and also appeared in the postseason 12 times with the Packers, winning Super Bowl XLV with the team in 2011.

His name also is among the who’s who in the history of kickers. He and former Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson are the only players to appear in at least 250 regular-season games and score at least 1,900 points with one team. He also scored 100-plus points in 15 seasons, trailing only Adam Viniatieri (21 seasons) and Jason Elam (16) in that category.

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fox Sports NFL Studio analyst Rob Gronkowski during a Fox Sports media party in advance of Super Bowl LIX at Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Report: Rob Gronkowski, 35, eyeing return to NFL

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tight end Rob Gronkowski may be interested in coming out of retirement once again, according to a report by DenverSports.com on Tuesday.

Gronkowski spent nine years with the New England Patriots prior to retiring after the 2018 season — only to come back and play two more years with Tom Brady when the quarterback went to Tampa Bay.

A five-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro selection and four-time Super Bowl champion (three with the Patriots, one with the Buccaneers), Gronkowski will turn 36 in May.

The DenverSports.com report indicated Gronkowski may be interested in joining the Denver Broncos, where his brothers Chris and Dan Gronkowski had brief stays during their playing careers.

Rob Gronkowski currently works as an NFL analyst for Fox and overlapped there for one year with Sean Payton, now the head coach in Denver.

Gronkowski had 621 receptions for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns in 143 games (128 starts) over his 11-year career in New England (2010-18) and Tampa Bay (2020-21). He never finished with fewer than 540 yards in a season despite missing large parts of the 2013 and 2016 campaigns due to injury.

–Field Level Media