A former New York Jets NFL quarterback ended his career early and quickly revealed what comes next by turning toward media, real estate, and leadership work
21:37 ET, 01 Apr 2026Updated 21:37 ET, 01 Apr 2026
Chris Streveler watches from the sidelines during a CFL game
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Chris Streveler announced his retirement from professional football
NFL quarterback Chris Streveler officially brought his football career to an end just before April Fools' Day, stepping away from the game at just 31 years old.
Streveler shared the news in a deeply personal way after posting a video montage on Instagram that captured the highs and defining moments of his career. The clip walked through his path from college football at Minnesota and South Dakota to his time in the NFL, where he carved out a role with teams like the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets.
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Despite limited opportunities, Streveler wrote in the caption, "I love you all. Thank you." Among the many responses, one that stood out above the rest was a message from his own father. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders’ bizarre gift to his new Browns coach hopes to jumpstart his NFL career.
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“As your dad it overwhelms me with pride seeing all this love and support,” he wrote. “It has been an incredible journey and I’ve been blessed to have that front row seat.”
“But as I’ve always said I am way more proud of the man you’ve become than the football player you were… You have always been so much more. Love you - Dad.”
Streveler’s NFL career may not have been defined by traditional star numbers, but it reflected persistence in a league where opportunities are few and far between.
Chris Streveler announces his NFL retirement
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Chris Streveler announces his NFL retirement
Across three seasons in the NFL, he appeared in nine games and completed 27 of 40 passes for 231 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Streveler’s most notable stretch came during a 19-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the Jets in 2022, when he earned his only career start. Before that, he spent two seasons with the Cardinals as transactions continued to pile up throughout his career.
Moving between active squads, practice teams, and injured reserve while continuing to fight for opportunities defined the end of Streveler’s NFL stint. From his early days at Marian Central Catholic in Illinois to his college development and eventual NFL breakthrough, he built a reputation as a player who maximized every chance he earned.
Chris Streveler reacts after his first start in the NFL
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Chris Streveler played pro football for 8 seasons
Streveler has started a new chapter beyond football, involving media, entrepreneurship and mentorship. He works with Thursday Sports, a platform launched by former teammate Justin Pew.
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Together, they produce football content and analyze games as Streveler continues to expand a growing real estate portfolio, with multiple investments in Arizona and plans to grow that business further in the coming years.
Public speaking has also become a major focus and Streveler is working with both corporate teams and young athletes, sharing lessons on leadership, mindset, and resilience.