SUPER BOWL winner Richie James has announced his abrupt retirement aged just 29.
The ex-Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver won the Super Bowl alongside Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes in 2024.
Richie James has announced his abrupt retirement aged just 29[/caption]
James has been a free agent since that victory in Las Vegas.
And he revealed that, due to a knee injury, he will not be returning to football.
“It took time but I have come to realize I am retired from the NFL. 7th round out of MTSU,” he posted online.
“I feel like I was just a ball player to last that long. Unfortunately my knee never healed properly.
“I was playing hurt since 22’. Oh well. I gave everything I got to the game of Football.”
James – as referenced in his statement – was picked in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers after playing college for Middle Tennessee.
Due to knee surgery, he was waived in 2021 after 40 games and 38 receptions for 689 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2022, he signed with the New York Giants and recorded 57 receptions for 569 yards.
He joined the Chiefs the following year and played six snaps as Kansas City beat his former team the 49ers to win the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs beat the 49ers 25-22 in overtime at Allegiant Stadium to secure their second consecutive Super Bowl title.
But it would prove to be the last time James set foot on the field.
The Chiefs now begin their 2025 campaign in Brazil on September 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
