Tag: retirement

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks off the field with training staff after an apparent injury during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Report: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has no plans to retire

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t intend to retire, despite calls from former players and a prominent doctor to do so after he suffered his most recent concussion, NFL Network reported Sunday.

Tagovailoa, 26, sustained a concussion — at least his third in four NFL seasons — in Thursday night’s game against the Bills when he ran on fourth down and collided with Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin. After being attended to by medical personnel, he walked off the field.

Per NFL Network, Tagovailoa has started meeting with doctors specializing in concussions with his eventual goal being cleared to return to the field. Head coach Mike McDaniel has said there is no timeline for Tagovailoa to return and that his chief concern lies with him as a person, not a player.

The quarterback missed five games in 2022 because of a pair of concussions.

That history has left former players — one of them a current NFL head coach — worried for his future.

“I’ll be honest, I’d tell him to retire. It’s not worth it,” Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. “I just think at some point, he’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”

“Really hope Tua is ok, but he’s gotta seriously think about shutting it [down],” Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe posted to social media. “His concussions are getting worse and worse and he’s a young man with his entire life ahead of him.”

Dr. Bennet Omalu, who inspired the 2015 movie “Concussion,” told TMZ Sports that Tagovailoa could become “permanently incapacitated” should he continue playing, adding he could have “catastrophic and permanent brain damage” with another hit.

“If I were his brother, his father, his uncle, cousin, nephew, if I were a member of his family,” Omalu said, “I would beg him to retire.”

The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in the offseason.

In his pro career, Tagovailoa has appeared in 55 games and is 33-20 as a starter. He has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 13,122 yards with 83 touchdowns and 40 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Dec 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jack Stoll (89) fights off a tackle by New York Giants safety Tony Jefferson (36) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Retired S Tony Jefferson wants to play in ’24

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Safety Tony Jefferson wants to come out of retirement and play in 2024, according to Bleacher Report.

Jefferson, 32, last played for the New York Giants in 2022 and announced his retirement in May 2023.

He spent last season as a scouting intern with the Baltimore Ravens, a team with which he spent four seasons.

“Jefferson has stayed in shape, has been training, and wants to play again,” per Tuesday’s report. “He intends to start talking to teams in the near future.”

Undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2013, Jefferson appeared in 113 games (67 starts) with the Arizona Cardinals (2013-16), Ravens (2017-19, 2021), San Francisco 49ers (2021) and Giants (2022). He recorded 492 tackles, 9.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and four interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) leaves the field after a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Ryan returns to Atlanta, retires as member of Falcons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Matt Ryan, a former NFL Most Valuable Player, made the end of his pro football career official Monday, retiring as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.

Ryan played 14 seasons at quarterback for the Falcons, who selected him with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2008 draft, and one final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. He didn’t play last season, instead working as a television analyst.

On Monday, the Falcons posted a three-minute-plus video in which Ryan made the announcement, thanking the city and the team.

“My childhood dream has officially come to an end. I’m honored to retire as a Falcon,” he said.

Ryan led the NFL in completions in 2019 and 2020 and won the 2016 MVP, when he led the team to an 11-5 mark behind 4,944 passing yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was selected to four Pro Bowls.

That 2016 team played in Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, 2017, and had a 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots in the third quarter before Tom Brady led his team on an epic comeback, winning 34-28 in overtime.

“Matt Ryan’s impact on the Atlanta Falcons organization and the city of Atlanta is immeasurable,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Monday. “Matt was selected as the third-overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, went on to win the NFL Rookie of the Year award and led us to the playoffs in his first season.

“That was the start of building a special career that now sees him holding every significant passing record in our franchise history. Matt always represented himself, his family, teammates and our team with class, character, and integrity on and off the field.”

Ryan started 234 career games — 222 of them in Atlanta — and was remarkably durable in posting a 124-109-1 record. He missed just three games with the Falcons.

For his career, he connected on 65.6 percent of his passes 62,792 yards (seventh in NFL history), threw 381 touchdown passes (ninth in NFL history) and 183 interceptions.

His 38 career fourth-quarter comebacks rank him fourth all-time in the category behind Brady, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.

He said Monday that he was happy to retire as a member of the Falcons: “You have no control in this profession in where you start. I am so lucky that my start and my finish was here in Atlanta.”

–Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 25, 2022.

Tom Brady ‘not opposed’ to late-season return to NFL

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Tom Brady isn’t ruling back another comeback.

Brady, 46, said on a podcast appearance Thursday that he would consider joining an NFL team midseason if a starting quarterback goes down with injury, as Joe Flacco did with the Cleveland Browns last year.

Without prompting, Brady mentioned two teams by name — the New England Patriots, his old team, and the Las Vegas Raiders, whom he is aiming to become a minority owner. He pointed out an NBA analog, as Michael Jordan became a part owner of the Washington Wizards before coming out of retirement to play for Washington for two seasons.

“I’m not opposed to it,” Brady said on the “Deep Cut” podcast. “I don’t know if they are going to let me if I become an owner of an NFL team. I’m always going to be in good shape. I’ll always be able to throw the ball. So, to come in for a little bit, like (Jordan) coming back, I don’t know if they would let me. But I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

Brady, who is also scheduled to begin working as a Fox Sports broadcaster this fall, reached an agreement in May 2023 to join the Raiders’ ownership group. The NFL has yet to complete its approval process.

Brady, who announced his retirement in February 2023, is regarded as the best quarterback of all time after winning six Super Bowls with the Patriots and a seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while breaking virtually every NFL passing record.

He also retired on Feb. 1, 2022, but changed course just 40 days later, coming back for a third season with the Buccaneers.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is chased by San Francisco 49ers safety Logan Ryan (33) in the second half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

2-time Super Bowl champion Logan Ryan retires

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Defensive back Logan Ryan announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 11 seasons.

Ryan, 33, won Super Bowls XLIX and LI with the New England Patriots during his first four seasons in the league.

He later signed with Tennessee and memorably intercepted Tom Brady to clinch a 20-13 win in an AFC wild-card game for the Titans on Jan. 4, 2020. The pass was the last thrown by Brady in his career with the Patriots.

“I am officially retiring from the NFL,” Ryan said in a video posted to social media. “What a great career. What a ride it was. Beautiful journey of highs and lows, like they always are.”

Ryan collected 13 tackles in five games (two starts) last season with the San Francisco 49ers.

He played cornerback with the Patriots (2013-16) and Tennessee Titans (2017-19) before moving to safety with the New York Giants (2020-21), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022) and 49ers (2023).

Ryan recorded 755 tackles, 19 interceptions — including one for a touchdown — and 13 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 154 career games in the regular season. He was selected by New England in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Rutgers.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) after a game against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Giants TE Darren Waller undecided on whether to play or retire

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller said he has yet to decide if he plans to play in the 2024 season or retire from professional football.

The New York Post reported last month that Waller considered retiring after a disappointing 2023 campaign.

“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Waller told Forbes. “It’s just a matter of respecting the process. There’s so much that goes into the process of going from April through February of an NFL season. The commitment that it requires. I’m a guy who’s evolving, who’s growing, who’s played a lot of football and been through a lot.”

Waller, who will turn 32 in September, caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (11 starts) last season with New York.

With Waller’s future in question, the Giants added fellow tight ends Jack Stoll and Chris Manhertz via free agency last month.

“I’m at the point now where I’m like, ‘OK, how much am I willing to give to the process,’” Waller said. “If it’s not 100 percent, it’s a disservice to the teammates and the organization that I have. I’m still trying to make a decision on that, and it’s tough to make one or the other out of emotion.”

Waller is due a base salary of $10.5 million in 2024. He signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders in September 2022. New York acquired him from Las Vegas in March 2023 for a third-round pick in last year’s draft.

Waller posted back-to-back 1,100+-yard seasons with the Raiders in 2019 and 2020, making the Pro Bowl in the latter campaign.

Waller has 350 catches for 4,124 yards and 20 touchdowns in 86 games (63 starts) for the Baltimore Ravens (2015-16), Raiders (2018-22) and Giants.

–Field Level Media

Oct 15, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) tackles Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris (22) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

RB Damien Harris announces retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Running back Damien Harris, who spent four seasons with the New England Patriots and one with the Buffalo Bills, announced his retirement on Monday.

The Alabama product was a third-round draft pick by New England in 2019 and became a free agent after his one-year deal with Buffalo expired.

“Getting to represent the name on the back of my jersey on and off the field, getting to compete at the highest level with and against the best competitors while winning championships and being coached by the 2 greatest head coaches of all time in Nick Saban and Bill Belichick are all just a small part of what God has done in my life with the game of football,” Harris wrote on Instagram.

“Gratitude is defined as ‘the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.’ Today I am grateful I have found the strength to walk away from the game I love so much.”

Harris, 27, finished his playing career with 2,188 rushing yards for 21 touchdowns and 42 receptions for 297 yards. His best season came in 2021, when he scored 15 touchdowns on 929 yards on the ground.

Harris appeared in six games for the Bills in 2023 and gained 94 yards on 23 attempts, scoring one touchdown. But he suffered a neck sprain against the New York Giants in Week 6 and had to be driven off the field in an ambulance — less than one year after Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest and scary scene — and Harris missed the rest of the season.

–Field Level Media

October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) leaves the game after an injury during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch (neck) retiring

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Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch announced Monday that he is medically retiring from the NFL after six seasons.

The team released the 28-year-old veteran on Friday with a failed physical designation due to a lingering neck injury.

“I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer,” Vander Esch said in a statement released by the Cowboys. “I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played.”

In 71 career NFL games (65 starts) with the Cowboys, the 2018 first-round draft pick had 469 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2018.

“Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel,” said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. “His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed. Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player.

“He was a leader and the kind of teammate that impacted those around him in the best ways. Leighton’s playing career may have come to an end, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we’re proud that he wore the star on his helmet.”

He missed the final 12 games last season with his latest neck injury, sustained in a Week 5 loss at San Francisco when 49ers left tackle Trent Williams blocked Vander Esch into the side of Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons on a fourth-quarter play. Vander Esch had his head down as he made contact with Parsons and fell to the turf.

Vander Esch also sustained a neck injury in 2016 while at Boise State and a more serious one with Dallas in 2019. He had a neck operation in 2020 to fix nerve issues.

–Field Level Media

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rams star Aaron Donald announces retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald announced his retirement Friday after 10 tremendous seasons.

Donald, 32, is an eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. The defensive tackle was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

“Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically — 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be,” Donald wrote on social media. “I respected this game like no other and I’m blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.”

Donald recorded 111 sacks to go along with 543 tackles in 154 career games (150 starts) since being selected by the Rams with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.

“We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade,” Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement. “He has left his mark on generations of football fans and his accomplishments, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire his teammates, coaches and athletes across the globe. It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles All-Pro DT Fletcher Cox retires after 12 seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, announced his retirement on Sunday over social media.

Cox, 33, is one of the most lauded defensive players in franchise history. He helped the Eagles win their lone Super Bowl title in the 2017 season.

“After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire from the game of football,” Cox wrote in a social media post. “I gave everything I had to this team and to this city. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I do know that I’m forever grateful for my time here in Philadelphia and with the Eagles organization. Go Birds!”

He started 182 of 188 games for the Eagles. He totaled 519 tackles, including 88 tackles for loss and 70 sacks, along with 173 quarterback hits, 16 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries and three returned for touchdowns.

Last season, Cox recorded 33 tackles, five sacks, three tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits in 15 games.

He was selected to the Pro Bowl in the 2015 through 2020 seasons, and was first-team All-Pro in 2018.

He thanked family members, his girlfriend, Eagles fans, the city of Philadelphia, the organization, current and former head coaches and several teammates in his statement.

The Eagles selected him 12th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State.

“April 26, 2012 was a special day that changed my life forever when Andy Reid called me to say I would be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles,” Cox wrote. “I fulfilled a lifelong dream by making it to the NFL. But what I didn’t know at the time was how much of an honor and privilege it would be to represent the city of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization for the next 12 seasons.”

Cox set the franchise record for most sacks (70) and Pro Bowl honors (six) for a defensive tackle, and is second behind longtime teammate Brandon Graham (195) for career regular-season games.

“What made Fletcher truly special is that his influence extends even further behind the scenes,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “The six-time team captain was a key figure in establishing a championship culture in our building. As nasty as he was on the field, he was a master of his craft while also serving as a big brother and mentor to so many young players over the years.

“He had a tremendous amount of respect for the game of football and the legacy he would one day be leaving behind, and that was reflected in the way he set the standard every single day whether on the practice field or in the locker room. That standard will live on for many years thanks to his leadership and the respect he earned from everyone in the building.

“We are incredibly thankful for everything he gave to our organization and to the City of Philadelphia over the years, and we wish him all the best as he embarks on the future.”

–Field Level Media