The Atlanta Falcons confirmed on Monday that Hayden Hurst, a tight end with seven years in the NFL, is retiring from professional football. After going unsigned throughout the 2025 season, the 32-year-old announced his decision to end his career following a final campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
Career Overview and Final Season Performance
In his last NFL season with the Chargers, Hurst appeared in nine games and recorded eight receptions for 73 yards without scoring any touchdowns, marking his career-low performance in terms of catches and yards. Selected 25th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft from South Carolina, Hurst concluded his professional journey with 203 receptions on 294 targets, accumulating 1,975 yards and 15 touchdowns over 88 games, including 41 starts.
Teams Represented During His NFL Tenure
Throughout his seven seasons, Hurst contributed to five teams. Beginning his career with the Baltimore Ravens, he later played for the Atlanta Falcons for two years, the Cincinnati Bengals for one year, and the Carolina Panthers for one year before spending his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers. His most productive year came during his time in Atlanta in 2022, when he caught 56 passes for 571 yards and scored six touchdowns across 16 games.
Reflecting on Hayden Hurst’s Retirement
Hayden Hurst’s retirement marks the close of a steady NFL career characterized by moments of strong performance and versatility across several teams. While his final season with the Chargers did not reflect his peak, his overall contributions as a first-round pick from South Carolina demonstrate his impact on the field as a reliable tight end. His departure leaves opportunities open for his former teams to explore new talents, while fans and analysts reflect on his journey through the league.
