Taylor Heinicke announces retirement from football at 33

Former NFL quarterback Taylor Heinicke has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33.

Heinicke shared the news Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in a post on Instagram, writing that football had been part of his life for 25 years and thanking those who supported him throughout his career.

An undrasourcesed free agent out of Old Dominion in 2015, Heinicke originally signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He also spent time in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers.

Heinicke was most recently with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 and was released during the 2025 preseason. He also played for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the United Football League (UFL).

Heinicke’s retirement closes a journeyman career that took him across multiple teams and leagues as he now moves on to the next chapter of his life.