Ryan Jensen made a significant impact with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, establishing himself as a formidable force alongside Tom Brady. Nevertheless, despite passing his medical exam this summer, an injury threatens to prematurely end his career, limiting his participation in training camp activities.
With the Buccaneers focused on maintaining their winning legacy in the upcoming season, their vet center has come out with an astonishing decision to end his career for good on the football field.
Ryan Jensen announces his NFL retirement
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ryan Jensen officially announced his retirement, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in his life.
Reflecting on his career, the vet player expressed pride in the journey, acknowledging the valuable lessons learned through both challenges and successes.
“With any chapter in the book of life, there is always an ending. The NFL chapter of my life is coming to a close. As this chapter closes and I reflect on every aspect of my career, it makes me proud. In the hard times and the good, there is always something special to learn,” he wrote on Instagram, per AP News.
The announcement came with a mix of emotions, as Jensen shared the difficulty of retiring from a game he has loved since a young age. Nevertheless, he also conveyed his excitement for the next chapter by embracing the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
“Retiring from the game you have loved from a very young age is always hard. I am excited for this next chapter and the new opportunities and challenges it will bring.”
The Buccaneers, recognizing the 32-year-old’s significant contributions, responded with a social media post expressing gratitude
“Go enjoy retirement!” they wrote in an Instagram post.
His retirement decision was influenced by an unfortunate injury that led him to spend the entire 2023 season on injured reserve. This setback followed a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2022 regular season. Unfortunately, this proved to be his last game in the NFL.
Ryan Jensen’s NFL career highlights
Ryan Jensen’s retirement marks the end of an impressive journey that started when he was chosen in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Jensen began his professional career with the Baltimore Ravens after his time at CSU Pueblo.
Throughout his time in Baltimore, he demonstrated his abilities in 35 regular-season appearances, including 25 starts. At first, the former Ravens player had a reserve role, but he eventually became the full-time starter in 2017. That year was crucial for him as he played in all 16 regular-season games and two postseason matchups.
After his impactful tenure with the Ravens, the center embarked on a new chapter with the Buccaneers in 2018. This move was marked by a significant four-year, $42 million contract, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL at the time.
As a Bucs player, his role as the starting center played a crucial part in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in 2020.
Jensen’s Pro Bowl achievements also punctuate his career, with his first selection in 2021 with the Bucs. The same year, he signed a three-year, $39 million deal, contributing to the Buccaneers’ success in winning the NFC South division.
As Jensen bids farewell to the NFL, his journey from a draft pick to a Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl honoree stands as evidence of his dedication and skill on the NFL field.
