Veteran NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday after a seven-year career as a pro.
Heinicke, 33, spent time with the Texans, Panthers, the Washington franchise, Falcons and Chargers.
“For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football,” Heinicke wrote in an Instagram post. “It has taught me a lot, not only about myself but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.
“Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. Excited for this next chapter of my life!”
Heinicke hasn’t played in the NFL since 2024, when he was with the Chargers.
Los Angeles ended up releasing him as part of the team’s final roster cuts in the summer of 2025.
Heinicke played his college football at Old Dominion and went undrafted before catching on in the NFL.
During his seven seasons in the NFL, he completed 607 passes for 6,663 yards and 39 touchdowns while appearing in 42 games.
Heinicke’s most memorable career highlight came with Washington during a loss in the 2020 playoffs to the Buccaneers, when he threw for over 300 yards and a touchdown — while rushing for an additional 46 yards and a score.
He started 15 games in the 2021 season, throwing for 3,419 yards with 20 touchdowns against 15 interceptions, posting a 7-8 record with Washington.