Just 32 years old and after starting every single game during his 10-year career, New York Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson is apparently stepping away from the game.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini was the first to report the rather shocking news that the three-time Pro Bowler is retiring from the NFL:
Filed to ESPN: Jets LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is retiring today after 10 seasons, per sources. Only 32. Completely healthy. A stunner. #nyj
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 8, 2016
Set to earn $14.1 million in total cash this upcoming season, a healthy Ferguson stepping away from the game had to blindside the Jets, who are now going to be in a desperate position to find a blindside protector to replace a player that has started every game at that position for the past decade.
Remember, it was just a couple days ago that reports surfaced the Jets had asked Ferguson to take a pay cut in order to help the team re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (via NFL.com).
While that’s not going to be an issue anymore, the hole Ferguson’s retirement leaves at left tackle is a major problem for a Jets squad that surprised everyone by winning 10 games a season ago.
Ferguson’s retirement is the latest in a string of players seemingly in their prime giving up millions to preserve their long-term health.
It really is a shocking trend for a game that’s quickly seeing players take note of the health issues it causes.