Former Falcons quarterback announces retirement from NFL

Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday evening. Heinicke, an Atlanta native, signed with the Falcons as a free agent in 2023 after spending three years in Washington.

Heinicke passed for 890 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions over five games (four starts) during his lone season in Atlanta. He battled Desmond Ridder for the starting job in 2023, but former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith never seemed to decide on a starter.

Heinicke's biggest impact came with the Washington Commanders, where he made 24 out of his 29 career starts and passed for 5,415 yards, 33 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. The Commanders were the only team that Heinicke thanked in his retirement post:

For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football.. It has taught me a lot, not only about myself, but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would've been able to live this life. Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. Excited for this next chapter of my life! And always, Go Skins! -- Taylor Heinicke

Heinicke, 33, signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. After playing in four games as Justin Herbert's backup, he did not return in 2025. Heinicke will retire with 6,663 career passing yards, 39 touchdowns, 28 interceptions, and an overall record of 13-15-1.