Tag: retirement

Jan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) stands on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Former Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke retires

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Journeyman NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who started 24 games for Washington from 2021-22, announced his retirement after a seven-year career.

“Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold,” Heinicke wrote Thursday on Instagram. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life … Excited for this next chapter of my life.”

Heinicke, 33, made his last NFL appearance in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, who released him just ahead of the 2025 season.

He went 7-8 as the starter for the Washington Football Team in 2021 and 5-3-1 with the rebranded Commanders in 2022. He also appeared in games for the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Chargers.

Heinicke starred in college at the FCS level at Old Dominion, where he won the Walter Payton Award and was named the FCS Player of the Year in 2012.

Undrafted in 2015, he compiled a 13-15-1 record as an NFL starter while completing 62.5% of his passes for 6,663 yards with 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games (29 starts).

Following an injury to starter Alex Smith, Heinicke served as an emergency starter for Washington’s wild-card playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2021. He completed 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards with one TD and one interception and also rushed for a score in a 31-23 loss played in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

–Field Level Media

Dec 18, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Nasir Adderley (24) reacts after intercepting a pass during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

S Nasir Adderley comes out of retirement, signs with Colts

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Free agent safety Nasir Adderley came out of retirement on Tuesday to sign a contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Colts for Adderley, who announced his retirement from the NFL in March of 2023.

Adderley, 28, got the itch to return to the gridiron, however, and he made his intention known over social media in February.

He recorded 232 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 50 career games (44 starts) with the Los Angeles Chargers (2019-22). He was selected by the Chargers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Delaware.

Adderley joins fellow safeties Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas as new additions for the Colts.

–Field Level Media

Mar 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Founders FFC quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws ball against Logan Paul of Wildcats FFC during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Tom Brady on comeback: NFL didn’t ‘like that idea very much’

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Tom Brady toyed with the idea of a potential comeback, going so far as to ask the NFL if it were permissible for a minority owner of a team to play in a league game.

Per NFL rules, a player can’t also be an owner.

“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady told CNBC. “We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too.”

Brady, who turns 49 in August, last played in an NFL game in 2022 before announcing his retirement for the second time. The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback currently is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Brady would need to sell his 5% stake in the team before he could become an active player.

Brady returned to the field this past weekend, albeit to participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

“I loved being out there playing in the flag game,” Brady said. “I loved not getting hit. I’ve got a lot of really fun things I’m involved in.

“It’s never going to get old throwing passes to incredible athletes on the football field. But if anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I’m very happy in my retirement.”

Brady was a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player who holds the league records for completions (7,753), pass attempts (12,050), passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). He added his record seventh Super Bowl championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (9) during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Former Pro Bowl WR DJ Chark retires at age 29

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Former Pro Bowl wide receiver DJ Chark announced his retirement after seven NFL seasons.

Chark, 29, last played in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. The Atlanta Falcons released him last August.

“After much contemplation, I have decided to share a proper farewell as I navigate retirement,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post on Friday. “My journey began at the age of 7 when I signed up for football, unaware of the profound impact it would have on my life. I simply loved the sport and had the unwavering support of my parents. Years later I received the support of my wife, kids, family and thousands of fans!”

A second-round pick by Jacksonville in 2018, Chark had his best season with the Jaguars in 2019 with career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (1,008) and touchdown catches (eight). He made the Pro Bowl.

After four seasons with the Jaguars, he spent one season each with the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers and Chargers.

Chark retires with 216 receptions for 3,100 yards and 24 touchdowns in 76 games (51 starts).

“As I write this I reflect on the challenges I’ve faced and overcome, as well as the rewards I’ve reaped,” he posted. “I’ve learned to appreciate every experience and not take any of them for granted. As I enter this next chapter of my life, I remain committed to being an active pillar in my community, empowering the youth through charitable work.

“The possibilities ahead are endless, and that excites me. I am grateful for all my teammates, fans, and every organization I have had the privilege to play for. All glory goes to God, I am forever thankful.”

–Field Level Media

November 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (79) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Rams OT Rob Havenstein retires after 11 seasons

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Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons on Tuesday.

Havenstein, who won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams in the 2021 season, started all 148 regular-season games and 13 playoff games he has played since 2015 — the last season the franchise was in St. Louis.

“What a ride it’s been!” Havenstein, 33, posted on Instagram. “I can look back on my career and smile knowing I have given everything I had and more to the game I love. In saying that, I am officially retiring from the NFL.”

He thanked his wife, parents, teammates, coaches, the team’s fans and the Rams organization.

“I have had the time of my life with the Los Angeles Rams (formerly known as the St. Louis Rams) and can’t thank the whole organization enough for giving me a shot back in 2015,” he wrote. “Although some in the organization weren’t totally convinced.”

Havenstein played in only seven regular-season games this season (seven starts) as he dealt with knee and ankle bursitis. He was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 19 and the Rams designated him to return to practice on Jan. 22 ahead of the NFC Championship game at Seattle on Jan. 25, but he didn’t play and the Seahawks won 31-27.

A member of the 2015 NFL All-Rookie Team, Havenstein was a foundational part of the offensive line at right tackle. He played on 100% of the offensive snaps in games he played across the 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2025 seasons, and at least 90% in the others.

The Rams also reached the league championship game in the 2018 season, falling to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII, 13-3. Los Angeles beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 three years later.

“As this chapter ends, I couldn’t be more grateful, hopeful, and excited to see what comes next!” Havenstein said.

–Field Level Media

Lions OT Dan Skipper: ‘Time for me to ‘report’ as retired’

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Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper announced his retirement from the NFL over social media on Thursday.

Skipper, 31, started five of the 12 games in which he appeared this season and 16 of the 69 in his career with the Lions and Houston Texans.

“24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall,” Skipper wrote on Instagram. “This year I’ll trade that out to pursue a career on the other side in coaching.

“The memories and experiences that the NFL has brought me and my family are hard to put into words. Thankful for every person that has been a part of my journey.

“It’s time for me to ‘report’ as retired (Sorry I had to do it one last time!)”

Skipper’s joke about reporting stems from a controversial ending in Detroit’s 20-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 30, 2023.

Officials ruled Skipper reported as an eligible receiver on a two-point conversion attempt in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. Fellow offensive lineman Taylor Decker caught a pass for the apparent successful conversion. However, the Lions were flagged for illegal touching as officials ruled Decker wasn’t eligible.

Skipper caught a 9-yard touchdown pass in the Lions’ 48-42 setback versus the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15, 2024.

According to a report, Skipper is volunteering as an offensive line coach at the upcoming East-West Shrine Bowl. He will be working with the East team. The contest is Tuesday.

–Field Level Media

WR Adam Thielen retires: ‘What a ride it has been!’

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Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen announced his retirement Wednesday after 12 NFL seasons.

Thielen, 35, spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed a second stint with the club in 2025 after two seasons with the Carolina Panthers before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 2.

Thielen’s season officially came to an end on Monday after the Steelers dropped a 30-6 decision to the Houston Texans in an AFC wild-card game.

“What a ride it has been!” Thielen wrote on Instagram. “13 years what a blessing! Have been blessed with so many great relationships and mentors over the years that I am forever grateful for! Thank you to everyone who has supported me through the years, it has meant everything to my family and I!”

Thielen became a Steeler one day after being granted his request by the Vikings to be waived to pursue more playing time in his final NFL season.

He finished with 19 catches for 186 yards in 16 games (seven starts) this season with Minnesota and Pittsburgh.

Thielen played collegiately at Minnesota State before signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. He was released by the Vikings to save salary cap space in March 2023 and signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers. Carolina traded him to Minnesota on Aug. 27.

Thielen made his NFL debut in 2014 and totaled 704 receptions for 8,497 yards and 64 touchdowns in 178 regular-season games (135 starts).

–Field Level Media

Vikings’ Mike Pettine, former Browns head coach, retiring

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Minnesota Vikings assistant head coach and former Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine is retiring after 25 seasons on NFL sidelines.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell made the announcement on Tuesday.

Pettine, 59, has been with Minnesota since 2022, also coaching the outside linebackers the past two seasons.

He compiled a 10-22 record from 2014-15 as the head coach of the Browns.

Pettitte began his NFL coaching career with the Baltimore Ravens (2002-08) before serving as defensive coordinator for the New York Jets (2009-12) and Buffalo Bills (2013).

After his stint in Cleveland, he was a consultant for the Seattle Seahawks (2017), defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers (2018-20) and a senior defensive assistant with the Chicago Bears (2021).

–Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers, 42, undecided about playing in 2026

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As his Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for Sunday’s playoffs-or-bust clash with the rival Baltimore Ravens, Aaron Rodgers said he remains undecided about returning for a 22nd season in 2026.

Playing on a one-year contract this season, the four-time NFL MVP has posted his 15th season with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes.

If the Steelers (9-7) lose the battle for the AFC North title with the Ravens (8-8) on Sunday night in Pittsburgh, their season and potentially Rodgers’ career will end.

“I’m thinking about this week, but obviously I’m 42 years old and I’m on a one-year deal,” Rodgers told reporters on Wednesday. “So you know what the situation is. Whenever the season ends, I’ll be a free agent. So that’ll give me a lot of options if I still want to play. I mean, not a lot of options, but there’ll be options, I would think, maybe one or two, if I decide I still want to play.

“I’ve enjoyed this experience, and everybody in Pittsburgh has been fantastic to me on and off the field. And it’s really what I was hoping for this experience was. It’s been even better than I was hoping.”

When Rodgers signed his one-year, $13.65 million deal in June, he told “The Pat McAfee Show” that he was “pretty sure” the 2025 campaign would be his last.

Six months later, Rodgers said he was grateful for his experience in Pittsburgh and the opportunity to play for head coach Mike Tomlin.

“You always think about the what-if and the alternative timelines of your life,” Rodgers said. “But if I hadn’t taken this path, I never would have met so many guys in the locker room who I now call close friends and wouldn’t have the experiences and the memories on the field, wouldn’t have been able to be in the room with Tom Arth again and Bake (Matt Baker) and be able to play for Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin. And I feel like there would be a little hole in my life missing without having this chapter. So I’m thankful for this time.”

Rodgers ranks fourth in NFL history in passing touchdowns (526) and fifth in passing yards (65,980) heading into the Week 18 finale. His career passer rating of 102.3 ranks No. 1 all-time as does his 1.4% interception percentage.

–Field Level Media

C Frank Ragnow fails physical, will not rejoin Lions

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Four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow’s bid to come out of retirement and rejoin the Detroit Lions this season is over.

The Lions announced Saturday morning that Ragnow failed his physical due to a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will prevent his return to action for the remainder of this NFL season. The news comes three days after the team announced that Ragnow was ending his retirement.

“Frank Ragnow reported to our facility (Friday) and went through the normal process of meetings. Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical,” the team said in a statement.

“… Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion.”

The Lions (7-5) have lost four of their past seven games and reside on the outside of the NFC playoff picture.

Ragnow, 29, started all 96 games in which he played during his seven NFL seasons before calling it a career in June, citing that he wished to prioritize health and family.

A first-round pick out of Arkansas, Ragnow was named second-team All-Pro last season.

Ragnow often was lauded for playing through injuries. In 2021 he played with a “fractured throat” after missing two games, and he pushed through a partially torn pectoral muscle after being ruled out for only one game.

Ragnow had chronic toe injuries, the onset of which he believes began with a torn plantar plate in his foot in 2021.

–Field Level Media