NFL star who was first choice and only signed new contract this year makes shock retirement announcement at just 25
NFL guard Saahdiq Charles has unexpectedly retired from the league just weeks before the new season.
The Tennessee Titans placed the 25-year-old on the retired/reserve list on Tuesday.
Charles joined the Titans over the offseason and had been taking starting reps at right guard in practice.
He was listed on Monday as the starting right guard on the team's unofficial depth chart.
Charles recently missed several practices for "personal reasons," per a Titans press release.
He informed the organization on Tuesday he is walking away from football.
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"Wow super surprising well happy retirement to Charles!" wrote one fan on X in response.
"Does anyone know why? This doesn’t make sense," asked a second.
"I’d rather retire than play for the Titans also," joked a third.
"That's actually insane," added a fourth.
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With no Charles in the frame, the Titans look set to turn to 2021 second-round pick Dillon Radunz at right guard.
Veteran offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill is also in line to compete for snaps.
A fourth-round pick for the Washington Commanders in 2020, Charles has played in 35 NFL games since his debut four years ago.
The 6-foot-4, 321-pound Mississippi native won the CFP national title with the LSU Tigers in college.
He proved to be a reliable starter for the Commanders in his rookie year in the NFL, before dislocating his kneecap in October 2020.
Charles struggled with injuries throughout his time in Washington, landing on the IR list for numerous concussions and calf issues.
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He left Washington in March, penning a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, per ESPN.
The deal also contained $250,000 in guaranteed cash.
Charles' deal also had a $75,000 per-game roster bonus, according to the ESPN report.
He leaves the NFL with a healthy bank balance after earning $4,094,372 over his career, per Spotrac.
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The Titans begin their preseason schedule on August 10 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Tennessee begins its regular season on September 8 with a visit to Soldier Field and the Chicago Bears.