Chicago Bears center Drew Dalmanhas retired from professional football at age 27. The decision came only weeks after he earned his first Pro Bowl selection. This move leaves the Bears without a starting center as they prepare for the 2026 season. Dalman spent five years in the league before making this choice.
Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman
Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman (52) practices against the New Orleans Saints before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Theretirement is a significant loss for the Chicago offensive line. Dalman joined the team in 2024 and became a reliable leader for the unit. During the 2025 season, he played every offensive snap for the team. His performance helped the Bears reduce their total sacks from 68 in 2024 to 24 in 2025. This improvement was a primary reason for the team winning the NFC North title.
Drew’s dad was a player and a coach. He’s seen first-hand life after football and the effects the game can have. If anyone is going to make an informed decision on when it’s time to hang ‘em up, it’s Drew.
Happy for him. Sad for the Bears. https://t.co/piwxZJIyu1
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) March 3, 2026
Financial records show that Dalman had two years remaining on a three-year, $42 million contract. By leaving now, he gives up a large portion of that salary. The Bears will gain 10 million dollars in salary cap space for the upcoming year. However, the front office must now find a replacement quickly. Free agency begins on March 11 and the team is expected to look for veteran options.
Since his retirement announcement, fans have been pouring respect and well-wishes for him. One fansaid, “he needs to do what’s right for himself and family. We as fans can be bummed but have to respect his decisions.”
A second fanadded, “happy for Drew Dalman and enjoying his life (hopefully an incredibly long one at that). But as a football/Bears fan, damn, guy is a beast and I’ll miss seeing him out there. Best in retirement, DD.”
A third fanchimed in, “Congratulations on a hell of a career. From a 4th round pick to one of the best centers in the league is something to be celebrated.”
Dalman has not given a long public speech about his exit. He informed the team privately before the news became public on March 3. Reports indicate he is concerned about his future physical health. His father, Chris Dalman, also played in the NFL and experienced the physical difficulties of the sport.
Drew Dalman leads Chicago Bears offensive line in 2025
Drew Dalman signed a 3-year contract with the Chicago Bears in March 2025. Hebecame a very important player for the team right away.
Dalman played every single offensive snap during the season. He played 1,154 snaps in the regular season and 159 snaps in the playoffs. He was the only player on the team to never miss a play.
He was excellent at protecting the quarterback. Dalman allowed only one sack and 21 pressures all year. Because of his hard work, the NFL named him to the Pro Bowl. He also helped the Bears win their first playoff game in 15 years. The team finished with the league’s best pass-blocking win rate.