Veteran QB Taylor Heinicke announces his retirement

After nine seasons of NFL play, veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke is hanging up his cleats. On Thursday, the longtime backup quarterback announced in a post on Instagram that he is retiring from the league.

“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,” Heinicke said in a post on his Instagram, which is private. “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 on 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,” he continued. “Excited for this next chapter of my life!”

A career backup who spent time with seven different NFL teams, Heinicke went undrafted out of Old Dominion in 2015 and went on to start his pro career with the Minnesota Vikings. After being waived by the team in 2017, Heinicke bounced between three more teams (plus a stint in the XFL) before landing with the Washington Commanders in 2020.

Heinicke’s breakout year came in his second year in Washington, with the quarterback starting in 15 games after an injury to Ryan Fitzpatrick. The following season, Heinicke stepped in again after an injury to starter Carson Wentz. Heinicke went 12-11-1 in 24 total starts for the Commanders.

In free agency, Heinicke signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, starting in four games. Heinicke’s last NFL role was in 2024, with the quarterback serving as Justin Herbert’s backup on the Los Angeles Chargers; he re-signed with the team ahead of the 2025 season, but was released before the start of the year.