Three veteran NFL players have abruptly retired this offseason, with all three being 31 or younger.
The latest came this week, when San Francisco 49ers standout Bryce Huff announced his retirement. The standout 49ers pass rusher is turning 28 years old next month. Huff is choosing to retire to start a business aimed at fighting the dangers of lithium battery fires.
"I'm retiring from football," Huff said. "I started playing football when I was 4 years old. Growing up, I wasn't the biggest or the strongest, and I didn't have many friends. All I really had was the game. Football kept me grounded. It gave me something to hold onto."
Huff was traded to Sn Francisco before the 2025 season. He totaled 30 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits while adding four sacks and two forced fumbles.
Nov 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Bryce Huff (47) puts pressure on Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images.
Earlier this offseason, veteran Chicago Bears lineman Drew Dalman chose to retire. He was just 27 years old.
The Bears center was considered a key piece for Chicago moving forward. He's retired after just five seasons in the NFL.
"Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27. Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire," Adam Schefter reported.
In Los Angeles, veteran Chargers center Bradley Bozeman announced he was retiring. The 31-year-old center retired after just eight seasons.
Bozeman spent the last two seasons in L.A., starting 33 games for the Chargers.
Now, he'll look to take the next step in his life.
NFL players aren't shying away from walking away from the game at an early age at this stage of the game.
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