Shane Lemieux, a fifth-round pick at center by the Giants in the 2020 NFL Draft, said he is hanging up his jersey for good to preserve his health after five surgeries over six seasons.
In a LinkedIn post on Tuesday, the 28-year-old Lemieux explained that the game changed for him as injuries continuously took him off the field for long stretches.
“Today I am announcing my retirement from the NFL after 6 seasons,” wrote Lemieux, who won a Super Bowl with Seattle as a practice squad member in February, defeating the Patriots 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium. “After graduating from the University of Oregon and being drafted by the New York Giants, I had dreams of a 10+ year, All-Pro career. I believed I could get there.
“But after 5 surgeries and more time in the training room than on the field, the game started to look different to me. That is why I am deciding to step away with the health that I have.
“While I didn’t achieve that goal, the lessons I learned through the injuries, the releases, and finally getting back on the field mean more to me going forward than any accolade ever could have. And the relationships built along the way have been the most impactful of all.”
Lemieux concluded with a cliffhanger on a “what’s next” for him.
“I am thankful for the game. I’ve dedicated my life to football, and it has rewarded me immensely,” he said. “But I’ve always seen myself as more than a football player, and I’m ready to show the world just that. Stay tuned for what’s next.”
Lemieux spent four seasons with the Giants, having started a career-high nine games as a rookie.
He caught on with the Saints and Seahawks in his final two seasons but was mostly sidelined due to injuries.
Lemieux made four starts for New Orleans before ending up on IR in 2024.
He played college football for the Oregon Ducks.
