Former Packers starter unexpectedly announces retirement from the NFL

A former Green Bay Packers starting offensive lineman has decided to hang up his cleats.

According to a post to his Instagram, former Packers and Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Yosh Nijman is retiring from the NFL.

"After seven incredible years in the NFL, I've decided it's time to officially step away from the game of football," Nijman wrote on Instagram.

"To the fans in Green Bay and Carolina, thank you for your passion and support," Nijman added. "Playing in front of you all was truly special, and I’ll always be grateful for the energy and love you brought every game day."

It's at least a bit surprising Nijman is retiring. After all, he's only 30 years old.

According to ESPN's David Newton and Jeremy Fowler, Nijman had a contract on the table from the Panthers and might have had an opportunity to start given the serious injury Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from, but decided to retire anyway.

"Carolina offered Nijman a contract to play, but he still chose to retire, per myself and Jeremy Fowler. He would have been the insurance the team wanted with Ikem Ekwonu recovering from serious knee surgery," Newton wrote.

Nijman spent four seasons with the Packers and started in 22 games in that span, including a career-high 13 starts in 2022.

He then signed with the Panthers in 2024 and has spent the past two seasons there, appearing in 32 games (seven starts).

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