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Taylor Heinicke Retires From NFL at 33

The former Washington starter turned journeyman announced the decision on Instagram after going unsigned since the Chargers cut him in 2025.

Overview

  • Taylor Heinicke, who announced Thursday on Instagram, said he was stepping away after 11 pro seasons that began as an undrafted rookie out of Old Dominion in 2015.
  • He last saw game action with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 and was released during final roster cuts in August 2025 after Trey Lance won the backup job.
  • He finished with 6,663 passing yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games with 29 starts, posting a 13-15-1 record and a 62.5% completion rate.
  • His signature moment came on Jan. 9, 2021, when he started Washington’s wild-card game against Tom Brady’s Buccaneers and threw for 306 yards with a touchdown and added a rushing score in a 31-23 loss.
  • Heinicke’s path spanned the Vikings, Patriots, Texans, Panthers, Washington, the Falcons and the Chargers, and he signed off his retirement note with a nod to Washington fans, writing, “Excited for this next chapter” and “Go Skins.”