After eight seasons as a starting offensive tackle and one final year as a reserve, former Detroit Lions first-round pick Gosder Cherilus is planning on retiring from the National Football League.
Also planning to retire, per source: OT Gosder Cherilus. Former first-round pick spent nine seasons in the league. Won't participate in FA
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 14, 2017
At 32 years old, it is somewhat of an interesting decision for the former Boston College standout, but Cherilus has seen some major regression in his game over the past couple seasons. Considered a plus-level starting offensive tackle in his first five seasons with Detroit, Cherilus signed a big-money contract with the Indianapolis Colts back in 2013. He played just two seasons in Indianapolis before moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, eventually starting 16 games in two seasons.
With the need for starter-caliber offensive tackles in today’s NFL it is a surprise that Cherilus would call it quits at this relatively young age. Then again, he’s earned a cool $40 million throughout his career.
Not a bad payday for someone giving up on the game before it takes a long-term toll on his health. It is surely something we have seen from other former NFL players recently.