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Surprisingly, three NFL players, all in their 20s, have announced their retirement from professional football within a 24-hour period.
Rams’ RB Sony Michel Retires at 28
Sony Michel, the 28-year-old running back for the Los Angeles Rams, has announced his retirement from the NFL after just five seasons.
Michel was originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. The former Georgia Bulldog had a promising rookie season, but his productivity declined in subsequent years.
Nevertheless, he was a crucial part of the Patriots’ 2018 championship team, contributing 336 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the playoffs, including a touchdown in their Super Bowl victory against the Rams. M
ichel leaves the league as a two-time Super Bowl champion, having also won a title with the Rams.
Steelers’ Rookie Fullback Monte ‘The Mullet’ Pottebaum Calls It Quits at 23
Pittsburgh Steelers’ 23-year-old rookie fullback, Monte ‘The Mullet’ Pottebaum, has announced his retirement from the NFL
Pottebaum had signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft.
A former Iowa alum, he was set to compete for the fullback position on the team. Pottebaum had already participated in training camp at Saint Vincent College before making his unexpected decision to retire.
Saints’ DE Jabari Zuniga Calls It Quits at 25
Jabari Zuniga, the 25-year-old defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, has also decided to retire from the NFL.
Zuniga was a former standout at the University of Florida and was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
His time with the Jets was short-lived as he was waived in September 2022. Subsequently, he joined the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad before the Saints signed him to their practice squad later that October.
Zuniga was hoping to secure a spot on the Saints’ roster in the 2023 season but ultimately decided to end his football career prematurely.