MOHAMED SANU has announced his shock retirement from the NFL after a solid ten-year career that earned him a cool $32million.
The former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, 34, revealed the news on social media this week.
Mohamed Sanu enjoyed more than 10 years in the NFL but has said it’s time to do something else[/caption]
Sanu played 57 games for Cincinnati between 2012 and 2015[/caption]
Bringing the curtain down on a decade-long spell that saw him play for six teams and become one of the league’s most versatile offensive weapons.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Sanu said: “After 10+ years in the NFL, my playing chapter is closing.
“Grateful for every coach, teammate and fan. Excited to give back through coaching and share the game in a new way with the Facts Over Stats Podcast.
“The journey continues.”
Sanu made his biggest mark with the Bengals, who drafted him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He played 57 games in Cincinnati between 2012 and 2015, racking up 1,793 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns plus another two scores on the ground.
But it was his Swiss Army knife ability that made him stand out.
As well as catching 435 passes for 4,871 yards and 27 touchdowns over his career, Sanu also ran the ball and even turned quarterback — completing 5-of-5 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns during his Bengals stint.
After 10+ years in the NFL, my playing chapter is closing. Grateful for every coach, teammate & fan. Excited to give back through coaching & share the game in a new way with the @FactsOverStats Podcast. The journey continues…
pic.twitter.com/Ey4szZmJV8
— Mohamed Sanu Sr. (@Mo_12_Sanu) September 19, 2025
NFL analyst Joe Goodberry noted Sanu is one of only seven players in league history to post 450+ receptions, 40+ rushes, and 5+ pass completions, joining legends like Walter Payton, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Julian Edelman.
Though Sanu never made it to a Pro Bowl or Hall of Fame conversation, he helped the Bengals reach the playoffs in all four seasons he was with the team and became a fan favourite for his all-action style.
He went on to play for the Falcons, Patriots, Lions, 49ers, and briefly the Dolphins, last appearing in an NFL game in 2021 with San Francisco.
Now, he’s swapping cleats for a mic and hopes to make his mark off the field with his new podcast.
Not bad for a third-round pick with a rocket arm, soft hands, and a highlight reel to match.
