By OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 16:38 EST, 6 March 2026 | Updated: 16:40 EST, 6 March 2026
Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary has claimed he was hacked on Friday after he posted and then deleted a shock farewell message on social media.
Gary, who just wrapped up his seventh season in Green Bay, left Packers fans stunned when the bombshell announcement first dropped on his Instagram account.
The now-deleted statement read: 'Green Bay - When I got the call in 2019, it was one of the greatest moments of my life, and it always will be,' Gary wrote. 'The opportunity to represent Green Bay and Packers Nation across the country and around the world is something I will never forget.
'Like all chapters in life, this one has come to an end. I want to thank everyone who supported me and my family throughout the years. The love, the energy, and the memories mean more than words can explain. On to my next stop nowhere near done yet. All 6'5", 275 can’t wait.'
After he quickly took the post down, ESPN Green Bay reporter Rob Demovsky revealed Gary has not been told he is being released or traded and that his Instagram was simply hacked.
The 2024 Pro Bowler is yet to comment publicly on the matter.
Packers star Rashan Gary claims he was not responsible for the farewell message he posted
Gary, who just wrapped up his seventh season in Green Bay, says his social-media account was hacked after he posted and then deleted an exit announcement
Gary has spent the entirety of his NFL career with the Packers after being selected with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 Draft.
In a total of 106 appearances and 74 starts he has recorded 271 tackles for the team, as well as 46.5 sacks.
Despite claiming his farewell statement wasn't real, Gary has been the subject of trade talks ahead of the start of the new league year next Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
He currently has two years remaining on a four-year, $96million extension he signed back in 2023 and a $17.042m salary cap number in 2026 with no guaranteed salary due over the last two seasons of his contract.
If they were to cut or trade Gary, the Packers would save themselves around $10.9m in cap space.
His future in Green Bay is therefore still in doubt after a disappointing 2025 campaign which saw Matt LaFleur's defense collapse after an ACL tear to Micah Parsons in Week 15.
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