Not lengthy after making it clear he was considering hanging up his cleats, A.J. Green determined to finish his profession. The wideout introduced on Monday (through Instagram) that he’s retiring from the NFL.
Green, 34, spent the previous two seasons in Arizona as a part of a veteran-laden Cardinals group. He performed a substantial position within the group’s 2021 success, securing 54 catches and 848 yards. That earned him a one-year deal this previous offseason, although he put up far much less noteworthy numbers throughout 15 video games performed. In January, it got here as little shock when he hinted that 2022 would be his final season in the pros.
Green’s stint within the desert was preceded, in fact, by a extremely acclaimed one with the Bengals. The fourth total decide in 2011, he performed 9 seasons in Cincinnati, highlighting the Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis period that noticed him earn loads of particular person accolades and lead the group to constant regular-season success.
The Georgia product loved instant success within the NFL, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie. He repeated that feat in every of the subsequent 4 seasons and as soon as extra in 2017. The latter marketing campaign was the seventh consecutive wherein he was named a Pro Bowler. In 2012 and 2013, Green additionally earned Second-Team All-Pro honors as one of many league’s most completed wideouts.
During his profession, the 6-4, 207-pounder established himself as a premier receiver by way of possession (receiving 100 or extra targets eight occasions) and scoring capability (registering 70 touchdowns, together with double-digit TDs in three seasons). He was not restricted by way of utilization, nevertheless, as his 14.5 yards per reception common signifies. His spectacular profession totals are barely extra noteworthy given the truth that he missed all the 2019 season on account of an ankle damage.
Despite his time spent on the sidelines, Green finishes his profession with 10,514 receiving yards. That ranks forty fourth all time in NFL historical past and fourth amongst energetic gamers. He sits second on the Bengals franchise record, behind solely Chad Johnson. One of the highest receivers of his era, Green is hanging up his cleats with no regrets.
“I’ve never been a man of many words, so I’ll keep this short,” his Instagram publish reads. “Thank you. Thank you to all who’ve supported, inspired, and impressed me all through my profession. Special thanks to the University of Georgia, Cincinnati Bengals, and Arizona Cardinals for the chance to pursue my goals. I’ve stayed true to the sport and it owes me nothing. Be blessed… The subsequent chapter begins.”
