There was a point not too long ago that A.J. Green was among the most-productive wide receivers in the NFL. From 2011-17, the former Georgia star recorded an average of 80 receptions for 1,173 yards for his original Cincinnati Bengals team.
After missing the entire 2019 campaign with an ankle injury, Green wasn’t the same player. He averaged a mere 685 receiving yards over the past three seasons. Green, 34, apparently saw the writing on the wall. The seven-time Pro Bowler took to Instagram on Monday, announcing his retirement from the NFL.
“I’ve never been a man of many words, so I’ll keep it short. Thank you. Thank you to all who have supported, encouraged, and inspired me throughout my career. Special thank you to the University of Georgia, Cincinnati Bengals, and Arizona Cardinals for the opportunity to puruse my dreams. I’ve stayed true to the game and it owes me nothing. Be blessed. Love ya’ll. The next chapter begins.”
A.J. Green retirement announcement on Instagram
A first-round pick of the Bengals back in 2011 (fourth overall), Green jumped on to the scene as a rookie. He recorded north of 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns en route to earning the first of seven consecutive Pro Bowls to open the receiver’s career.
Green’s best season came back in 2013 when he tallied 98 receptions for 1,426 yards and 11 touchdowns in catching passes from Andy Dalton.
After suffering that ankle injury in 2018 and missing the entire 2019 season, Green returned to play one more season with Cincinnati. He was not the same player. He’s suited up the past two seasons in Arizona with a lack of earlier-career production mixed in.
- A.J. Green stats: 727 receptions, 10,514 yards, 70 touchdowns
Green finishes up his career ranked right behind Calvin Johnson on the all-time receptions list among NFL wide receivers at 51st overall. His 10,514 yards ranks 44th. As for Green’s brilliant Bengals career, he ranks second in franchise history behind Chad Johnson in receptions, yards and touchdowns.