While not every NFL career is Hall of Fame worthy, many are notable in some way, shape, or form.
A former Washington Commanders fan favorite quarterback retired from the NFL on Thursday, and he definitely had his share of memorable moments in his $19 million career.
“Quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who became a fan favorite during his two-plus seasons with the Washington Commanders, announced the end of an improbable NFL career Thursday,” ESPN’s John Keim reported.
“Heinicke, 33, posted a message to Instagram thanking those who supported him throughout his seven-year NFL career in which he spent time with seven franchises -- appearing in games for five of them.”
"Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold," Heinicke wrote on Instagram. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would've been able to live this life... Excited for this next chapter of my life."
After short stints with the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and St. Louis BattleHawks (UFL), Heinicke received his big break with the Commanders in 2020.
In his first season with Washington, Heinicke filled in for the injured Alex Smith and went toe-to-toe with NFL legend Tom Brady in the postseason. The 33-year-old finished the Commanders’ NFC Wild Card clash vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with 26 completions for 306 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Washington’s 31-23 loss.
As a full-time starter in 2021-22, Heinicke finished the year with 3,419 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions on a Washington squad that won seven of their 17 regular-season contests.
Heinicke’s second season with the Commanders was highlighted by his remarkable play in Washington’s highly anticipated rematch vs. Tampa Bay, the then-defending Super Bowl champions, in Week 10.
Heinicke threw for 256 yards, tossed one touchdown, and finished with zero interceptions in the Commanders' 29-19 home victory.
After a shortened 2022-23 campaign (he only appeared in nine games and failed to lead the Commanders to the postseason), Washington moved on from the fearless 6-foot-1 signal-caller. Heinicke subsequently joined the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers before ultimately announcing his retirement from the NFL.
As a well-respected journeyman who went undrafted in 2015, it’s safe to say the Old Dominion product enjoyed a successful career in the big leagues.
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