Hayden Hurst has confirmed his retirement from the NFL after a seven-year career, as reported by Ari Meirov. Hurst’s departure closes a chapter that began when the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, marking the start of a journey that spanned multiple teams and challenges.
Early Years and Transition Between Teams
Hurst’s initial two seasons were spent with the Ravens, where he accumulated 512 yards and three touchdowns on 43 receptions. Despite these contributions, the emergence of fellow tight end Mark Andrews, who reached the Pro Bowl by his second year, shifted team dynamics. This led to the Ravens trading Hurst to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2020 offseason.
In Atlanta during his first season, Hurst posted a career-best 571 yards and six touchdowns with 56 catches. However, he soon lost the starting tight end role to Kyle Pitts, the Falcons’ highly touted 2021 first-round draft pick. The Falcons later declined Hurst’s fifth-year option, releasing him to free agency prior to the 2022 season.
Hurst then signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, where he managed 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals chose not to re-sign him after the season, leading Hurst into free agency once again.
Final NFL Seasons and Health Challenges
In 2023, Hurst secured a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers but suffered a setback with a concussion during Week 10. On December 6, 2023, Hurst’s father, Jerry Hurst, shared on Twitter that the tight end was experiencing post-traumatic amnesia linked to that injury. Subsequently, the Panthers placed Hurst on season-ending injured reserve in mid-December and released him during the 2024 offseason.
His final NFL season was with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, where his production declined, recording only eight receptions for 73 yards. After remaining unsigned throughout the 2025 season, Hurst decided to retire. Over seven seasons, he finished his NFL tenure with 1,902 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns across 195 receptions.
Implications of Hurst’s Departure from Football
Hayden Hurst’s retirement draws attention to the physical demands and risks associated with professional football, especially regarding concussion-related health issues. His career reflects the volatility tight ends may face when competing against emerging talent like Mark Andrews and Kyle Pitts. Moving forward, Hurst’s decision highlights the growing awareness and caution players exercise concerning long-term health, signaling a trend that could influence future player safety protocols and contract negotiations within the NFL.
Veteran TE Hayden Hurst — a former first-round pick of the Ravens — announced that he’s retiring from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/MNvLmETUeJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 10, 2026
