Robert Woods, the 33-year-old wide receiver who built a career on consistency and versatility, announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday. Woods made the announcement via Instagram, closing the book on 13 seasons in the league.
The Los Angeles native signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Rams, the team with which he won Super Bowl LVI.
Woods last played during the 2024 season with the Houston Texans. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last April but was released during final roster cuts in August. He requested his release from the practice squad in early September and sat out the entire 2025 season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the retirement announcement on social media.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Robert Woods
Jul 23, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Robert Woods talks with the media at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Veteran wide receiver Robert Woods announced on Instagram that, after 13 seasons, he is retiring from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/uOuhEr5Q1g
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2026
From USC to Buffalo: Building a Foundation
Woods entered the NFL as the 41st overall pick in the 2013 draft by the Buffalo Bills. The former USC Trojan spent four seasons in Buffalo, catching 203 passes for 2,451 yards and 12 touchdowns.
His time with the Bills was productive but understated. He played in a run-heavy offense that didn’t always showcase his abilities. But Woods used those years to develop into a complete receiver who could block, run routes from multiple positions, and contribute on special teams.
The California native hit free agency in 2017 and returned home. The Rams signed him to a five-year deal worth $34 million. That move changed his career trajectory.
Peak Years and Championship Glory with Los Angeles
Pittsburgh Steelers, Robert Woods
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Robert Woods (16) takes the field to warm up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Woods joined the Rams in Sean McVay’s first season as head coach. He immediately became a key piece of the offense, hauling in 56 catches for 781 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games during 2017.
The next two seasons marked his peak. Woods posted 1,219 yards on 86 receptions in 2018, then followed with 90 catches for 1,134 yards in 2019. Those were the only two 1,000-yard campaigns of his career.
Woods tore his ACL during practice in November 2021, ending his season. Despite missing the playoffs, he was still part of the Rams team that defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI in February 2022. The Rams traded him to Tennessee that March.
Woods wrote on Instagram:
“After 27 unforgettable years of pouring my heart into this game, and the 13 incredible years in the NFL — It’s time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything. Football has never just been a game to me — it’s been my passion, my purpose, and my lifelong dream.”
He added: “I cherished every moment my cleats touched the grass. Every time I stepped onto the field, I was determined to leave a piece of myself in every snap.”
Woods finishes with 683 receptions for 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns across 171 regular-season games. He also caught 42 passes for 449 yards and one score in 10 playoff contests.