Introduction to Mike Williams’ Retirement
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams has retired from the NFL at age 30.
Background on the Decision
His agent, Tory Dandy, told general manager Joe Ortiz on Wednesday night, hours before the Chargers became the first NFL team to open training camp Thursday. Williams signed a $6 million, one-year deal in mid-March to return to the Chargers for his second stint with the team. On Monday, he was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an undisclosed injury and two days later called it quits.
Reaction from Teammates and Coaches
“It’s obviously a tough situation,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. “Football, at the end of the day, is a game and there’s more to life than just football and I’m just hoping for the best for him.” “I don’t want to say shocking,” safety Derwin James said of the news, “but definitely I’d love to have him out there with me.” Coach Jim Harbaugh made no mention of Williams’ decision when he spoke to media earlier Thursday.
Career Overview
Williams played eight seasons in the NFL, including stints with both the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. The Chargers drafted Williams in the first round with the seventh overall pick in 2017. He had 330 career receptions, 5,104 receiving yards and 32 touchdown receptions over his eight-year career. Williams’ pro debut was delayed by a back injury that caused him to miss training camp. He sat out the first six games of the regular season before seeing action. He was sidelined by a knee injury in Week 13.
Notable Seasons and Injuries
In 2021, Williams and Herbert built a rapport early on, with Williams totaling six receiving TDs and 471 receiving yards in the team’s first five games. That set the stage for a breakout season, with Williams setting career highs in receptions (76), targets (129) and yards (1,146) while scoring nine TDs. After the 2021 season, Williams signed a $60 million, three-year extension with the Chargers. In 2022, Williams had a back fracture that kept him out of the team’s opening playoff loss to Jacksonville. The following season, Williams sustained a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3. He was released by the Chargers early last year.
Later Career and Retirement
Soon after, Williams signed a one-year deal with the Jets. He was later criticized by quarterback Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route on a pass intended for him, leading to a game-clinching interception in a loss to Buffalo. Last November, the Jets traded Williams to the Steelers for a fifth-round draft pick. He had a combined 21 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown for both teams. Williams helped Clemson win the national championship in 2017 and then decided to forego his senior year to enter the draft. In 2015, he broke a bone in his neck after colliding with the goal post as he caught a touchdown pass.
Team Updates Following Retirement
Wide receiver Tre’ Harris signed with the team Thursday, ending a brief holdout. He was a second-round pick out of Mississippi. The Chargers also signed tackle Ryan Nelson from the UFL. Nelson started 22 of 28 games for the Michigan Panthers over the last three years in the UFL, including an appearance in the league’s championship game last year. Nelson, who is from nearby Buena Park in Orange County, played four seasons at Virginia.
Conclusion
Mike Williams’ retirement marks the end of an era for the Los Angeles Chargers. With his impressive career statistics and notable performances, Williams will be remembered as one of the team’s standout players. The Chargers will need to adjust their lineup and strategy following his retirement, but the signing of new players like Tre’ Harris and Ryan Nelson brings new hope and possibilities for the team.
FAQs
- Q: How old is Mike Williams upon his retirement?
A: Mike Williams is 30 years old upon his retirement from the NFL. - Q: What was the reason for Mike Williams’ retirement?
A: The reason for Mike Williams’ retirement was not explicitly stated, but he was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an undisclosed injury before making the decision. - Q: What are Mike Williams’ career statistics?
A: Mike Williams had 330 career receptions, 5,104 receiving yards, and 32 touchdown receptions over his eight-year career. - Q: Who did the Chargers sign following Mike Williams’ retirement?
A: The Chargers signed wide receiver Tre’ Harris and tackle Ryan Nelson following Mike Williams’ retirement.
