Bears Receiver Squirrel White, 22, Retires Just 16 Days into His NFL Career

Squirrel White, 22, retired from the NFL 16 days after being signed
Credit: James Gilbert/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• NFL player Squirrel White retired just 16 days after signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent
• The Alabama native played college football at Tennessee and Florida State, totaling over 1,900 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns
• White's reason for retiring remains unclear after he left a rookie minicamp practice early and did not return

Squirrel White is stepping away from football almost as quickly as he entered the NFL.

The former Chicago Bears rookie, 22, retired less than three weeks after signing with the franchise as an undrafted free agent, ending his professional career just 16 days after joining the team.

The Bears placed White on the reserve/retired list on Monday, May 11, according to the team's website.

The Alabama native signed with the Bears shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft following a college career split between the Tennessee and Florida State.

After transferring to Florida State, he played in 10 games and caught five passes for 52 yards, according to the team's website.

Just days before his retirement became official, ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin reported that she witnessed White leave the practice field during rookie minicamp.