Tag: retires

Browns guard Joel Bitonio heads in after practice July 23, 2025.

Long-time Browns G Joel Bitonio retires after 12 seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Seven-time Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 12 seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

Bitonio, 34, officially called it a career after starting all 17 games in each of the past two seasons and all 178 in which he has appeared since being selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Nevada.

“Truthfully, as time passed and my career kept going, there was never a point where I could envision myself in a different uniform,” Bitonio wrote on the team’s website. “Wearing that orange helmet and being part of this franchise — from getting drafted to signing three contracts — I felt a loyalty to the Browns, and it gave me a sense of pride to represent a fan base who is consistently loyal to us. I started the job here, and once I got to a certain point, I knew I wanted to finish the job in Cleveland.

“Now that job is finished. After 12 seasons of wearing No. 75 in brown and orange, I have officially decided to retire.”

Bitonio made the Pro Bowl in each season from 2018-24 and was named a first-team All-Pro in both 2021 and 2022. He also was named the Browns’ Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Bitonio was the longest-tenured player on the Browns until his contract voided in March.

“Joel Bitonio set the standards for on-field excellence, professionalism and loyalty during his 12-year career with our organization,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. “Few have achieved as much as Joel has during his 178 starts. …With being the best interior lineman at his peak, we applaud a career that should be Canton-bound.

“Everyone knows Joel’s on-field accomplishments, but he was able to elevate the entire building during his tenure because he is a Hall of Fame person. He was our longest-tenured captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year and his dedication to Northeast Ohio both within the walls of 76 Lou Groza Boulevard and beyond is aspirational to us all. Although Joel is now entering the next phase of his life, he will always be Browns family. We excitedly look forward to the day when he is inducted into our Ring of Honor and a Dawg Pound captain.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Collin Johnson (80) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

WR Collin Johnson retires from NFL, headed to MIT Sloan

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former wide receiver Collin Johnson announced Thursday that he is retiring from the NFL and enrolling at MIT Sloan this fall to pursue his MBA.

Johnson, 28, last played in the NFL in 2024. Last June, he announced on Instagram that he completed the Harvard Business School Executive Program focused on business, entertainment, media and sports.

“As I move into this next chapter, I’m excited to continue building Beyond-Sports by launching Founders Academy in partnership with MITdesignX — a venture-building program created for current and former professional athletes building real businesses,” Johnson wrote on X.

“For a long time, athletes have been seen as endorsers of other people’s companies. I believe we can be the founders, operators, investors, and owners behind them too.”

Johnson played four seasons in the NFL after being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Texas. He recorded career highs in catches (18), receiving yards (272) and touchdowns (two) in 14 games during his rookie season with the Jaguars.

Johnson reeled in 11 catches for 105 yards in 12 games (one start) with the New York Giants. He had two catches for 17 yards during 12 games split over two seasons with the Chicago Bears.

“Football has shaped my life in more ways than I can put into words,” Johnson wrote on X. “It taught me faith, discipline, resilience, leadership, and how to compete at the highest level. I’m thankful for every teammate, coach, organization, and person who helped me along the way.”

–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

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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

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

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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

Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) catches a pass against Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (24) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Report: WR Amari Cooper informs Raiders he’s retiring

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper informed the Las Vegas Raiders that he has decided to retire after 10 seasons, NFL Network reported on Thursday.

The news comes on the heels of Cooper telling reporters, “Trust me, I still have some juice left,” last week after signing a one-year contract with the organization that made him the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Cooper, 31, played for the then-Oakland Raiders from 2015-18 before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys during the 2018 season. He was traded two more times (to the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills) before becoming a free agent following the 2024 season.

He had 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns last season in 14 games with the Browns and Bills. All three categories were a career low for Cooper.

Cooper totaled 711 catches for 10,033 yards and 64 touchdowns in 154 career games (143 starts).

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) reacts during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-Imagn Images

Vikings’ 4-time Pro Bowl LB Anthony Barr to retire

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Anthony Barr, who spent nine of his 10 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, is hanging up his helmet.

His foundation, Raise The Barr, announced in a Facebook post Monday that the 33-year-old veteran “will officially retire from the NFL in just a few weeks.”

The former first-round draft pick did not play last season and finishes his career with 554 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries and five interceptions in 116 games (108 starts) with the Vikings (2014-21, 2023) and the Dallas Cowboys (2022).

Minnesota selected him ninth overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of UCLA and he made the Pro Bowl in four straight seasons from 2015-18.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Justin Pugh (67) blocks as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) rushes during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images

OL Justin Pugh announces retirement after 11 seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Offensive lineman Justin Pugh announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday.

Pugh, who turns 35 in August, made his intentions known at East Rutherford, N.J., as a member of the New York Giants.

“I’ve played here six of my 11 years in the NFL,” Pugh said. “Not many players get to go out on their terms, and after 11 years playing in the NFL, I am officially retiring from the league. I thought I was going to do another one, but just didn’t have it in the tank. I started losing weight and started feeling good, and didn’t want to do a 12th year.

“But like every little boy, I always dreamed of playing in the NFL … I definitely never planned on making a block so Eli (Manning) could throw the ball down the field. I never dreamed of being an offensive lineman. I don’t think any little boys are out there right now being like, ‘Let me pass set and block in the playoffs to make something happen.’

“What I realized, offensive line was the position that was for me. I was built perfectly for it, and it’s something that you don’t choose. Everyone wants to be that star position, but it’s something that really defined me as a man, as a father and as a teammate.”

Pugh overcame a significant knee injury to play for the first time in more than a year on Oct. 15, 2023. The Giants dropped a 14-9 decision at Buffalo in a game that created a viral stir for how Pugh greeted the television audience during introductions on the NBC broadcast, saying he was “straight off the couch.”

Pugh spent his first five seasons with New York after the Giants selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He then spent the next five campaigns with the Arizona Cardinals, although his 2022 season came to an end after five games following a torn ACL.

Pugh, who did not play in the 2024 season, started 131 of the 132 games in which he appeared in the NFL.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) looks up at the scoreboard from the bench against the Tennessee Titans during the second half during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Former Jets, Ravens LB C.J. Mosley announces retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Five-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, his 33rd birthday.

Mosley had been a free agent since being released by the New York Jets on March 12.

He recorded 17 tackles in four games (three starts) during a 2024 season in which he was hampered by a toe injury and a herniated disk in his neck.

Mosley was a Pro Bowler in four of the six seasons he spent with the Baltimore Ravens. He led the Jets in tackles in three straight seasons from 2021-23, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors after posting 158 tackles in 2022.

“Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share it with the next generation,” Mosley said in his Instagram video posted Thursday. “I spent my whole life and career building my legacy. Now it’s time to start a new chapter with new dreams. It won’t be easy, but I’m here to tell you every sacrifice is worth it.

“When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?”

Mosley totaled 1,083 tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles in 133 games (132 starts) with the Ravens (2014-18) and Jets. Baltimore drafted him with the 17th overall pick in 2014 out of Alabama.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Chris Conley (18) gestures after a catch by fullback Kyle Juszczyk (not shown) during the third quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

WR Chris Conley retires from NFL to attend film school

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Wide receiver Chris Conley is retiring from the NFL after 10 seasons to pursue a career as a filmmaker.

Conley’s second act will begin by attending film school at his alma mater Georgia, his agent Jonathan Perzley told NFL Network on Saturday.

Conley appeared in 132 games (65 starts) with five teams, catching 226 passes for 2,998 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Conley, 32, most recently played for the San Francisco 49ers (2023-24) following stints with the Kansas City Chiefs (2015-18), Jacksonville Jaguars (2019-20), Houston Texans (2021-22) and Tennessee Titans (2022).

The Chiefs drafted Conley in the third round in 2015. He set career highs in catches (47) and yards (775) with the Jaguars in 2019. He played in Super Bowl LVIII with the 49ers, losing 25-22 to the Chiefs.

–Field Level Media

November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Saints RT Ryan Ramczyk, 30, retires after knee injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk announced his retirement on social media Thursday night.

Ramczyk, 30, started 101 games over seven seasons before sitting out the 2024 campaign with a chronic knee injury.

The 2017 first-round pick made three straight All-Pro teams from 2018-20, with a first-team nod in 2019.

“What an incredible journey it’s been,” Ramczyk wrote on his Instagram account. “My path to the NFL wasn’t a straight line, it wasn’t the story most people expect. There were moments when people doubted me, moments when I doubted myself. It’s funny how life works out. Sometimes the road less traveled leads to places you never expected, but it ends up being exactly where you were meant to be.”

Ramczyk played his final game on Dec. 10, 2023, before finishing that season on injured reserve with a cartilage defect in his right knee.

The NFL announced Thursday that Ramczyk will be in Green Bay on April 25 to announce the Saints’ Day 2 draft picks.

–Field Level Media