By Mallory Mattingly
After 10 seasons in the NFL, offensive lineman Charles Leno Jr. decided to retire from football on the 2nd anniversary of his daughter’s tragic death.
“Today, October 14, 2025, at 2:46 PM, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the National Football League, but the truth is my heart left the game a long time ago,” he announced on Instagram.
“On October 14, 2023, my wife Jennifer and I experienced the most unimaginable heartbreak,” Leno continued, recalling his wife’s devastating miscarriage. “We lost our precious daughter, Paitynn, our fourth baby girl. That day changed everything for me. It changed the way I see life, the way I carry myself, and most of all, it changed what matters most to me.”
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Although football has helped shape the athlete into the “man standing here today,” a big piece of him hasn’t been the same since that day two years ago.
“But on that October day in 2023, something in me shifted,” the offensive lineman wrote. “I knew then that I was done with football. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. My priority, my passion, my purpose had changed. My heart now belongs fully to my family. And I knew one day, when the time was right, I’d make it official.”
Leno Jr. then took a moment to thank God for all of the blessings over the last 10 years and more.
“I want to take a moment to thank God. Without Him, none of this; my career, my family, my healing, would be possible,” he said. “Through every high and low, His presence has carried me. His grace has sustained and I give Him all the glory for the blessings in my life.”
Leno Jr.’s wife, Jennifer, also took to social media to celebrate her husband and his amazing career.
“To see all that you have accomplished in these past 10 years right by your side has been one of my favorite journeys thus far,” she wrote. “From pick 246 in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL draft, to playing nearly 150 games, 9K + snaps, a Pro Bowl, a team captain, a WPMOY nominee, a 4X NFLPA Community MVP, & a 2X Alan Page Community Finalist, you always seem to amaze me each & every day.”
She continued: “Football has been a focal point of our lives over these past 10 years BUT this new season of life together has already been better than any football season we’ve ever had. I am so excited to officially say that Len is retiring from the NFL. Not many get to walk away on their own terms & to see you do that is a dream come true. To know that teams have continued to call while you’ve become the best stay at home dad 🥹🫶🏼 I’m so happy that you accomplished your goals & are have left this game on your terms. Cheers to retirement! We are so proud of you & we love you so much!”
As tough as it was to decide to leave the game he loved, Leno Jr. knows his family is the most important thing.
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