Former Detroit Lions cornerback Jerry Jacobs has announced his retirement just a few months after signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League
11:30 ET, 13 May 2026
Jerry Jacobs has announced his retirement
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Jerry Jacobs has announced his retirement(Image: Getty)
Former NFL cornerback Jerry Jacobs has announced his shock retirement at 28 after carving out a storied career from undrafted free agent to Detroit Lions star.
The announcement comes as NFL teams step up their preparations for the 2026 season, which is due to start later this year in September. Jacobs joined the Lions in 2021 and later spent time with the Los Angeles Rams before heading to the Canadian Football League to play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
He made a total of 131 tackles, 23 pass deflections, and four interceptions. Jacobs took to social media to make the announcement, releasing an emotional statement to fans. “First off I want to Thank God because without him I wouldn't be here,” Jacobs began.
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“I also wanna thank my mother for always been on my side through whatever and always pushing me to go harder,” he continued. Jacobs also thanked his sister, teammates, coaches, and the sport, making it clear he feels prepared to "start a new journey."
"… I'm deciding to hang the cleats up," he wrote, adding that "retirement is not the end of the road," but "the beginning of the open highway."
"Lived it, Loved it. Farewell beautiful game,” he concluded. The move comes just a few months after switching to the CFL. He signed a contract with the Roughriders in February this year.
His last NFL game was in 2023, nearly 3 years ago. However, his journey from college drew widespread attention.
Jerry Jacobs #23 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the field after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.
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Jerry Jacobs #23 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the field after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.(Image: Getty)
Jerry Jacobs’ journey
Jacobs began his college career at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before transferring to Arkansas State in 2018. After two seasons, he stepped up to SEC powerhouse Arkansas.
Although his time with the Razorbacks was limited to five games, he still caught the attention of NFL scouts, signing with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and eventually securing a place on the 53-man roster.
His rookie year was derailed by a torn ACL that required season-ending surgery, sidelining him until October 2022.
He returned strong, however, and went on to deliver the best season of his NFL career the year after.
Jerry Jacobs #23 of the Detroit Lions interacts with fans after a win over the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 07, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan.
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Jerry Jacobs #23 of the Detroit Lions interacts with fans after a win over the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 07, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan.(Image: Getty)
Dan Campbell’s 2026 plans
The Lions have fallen short in their bid to win the Super Bowl under Dan Campbell. Last season, their defense struggled at times, leading Campbell to announce major readjustments ahead of the 2026 season.
"We just have to tighten the screws on a few things," he said. "But I love the staff and I love what we do.
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“We've already been through the cutups like, 'if we could go back, maybe we would play a little bit more of this or a little bit less of this.' I think there's a lot of clarity in some things, adjusting when we get a few injuries here and there."