The Los Angeles Chargers have announced the release of Corey Linsley on Wednesday, opening the path for the former All-Pro center to retire.
Aged 32, Linsley took part in three games last season before being diagnosed with a non-emergent heart issue. He was subsequently placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on Sept. 30.
In January, Linsley stated to reporters that he was “99 percent” certain he would retire.
If he follows through with his retirement, Linsley will conclude his career without conceding a sack since Week 10 of the 2020 season, maintaining a streak of 1,572 consecutive pass-block snaps, as reported by CBS Sports.
Linsley, a first-team All-Pro in 2020 and a 2021 Pro Bowl selection, served as a team captain throughout his three seasons with the Chargers after signing a five-year, $62.5 million deal as a free agent prior to the 2021 season. He began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, spending his first seven seasons with the franchise.
“Corey embodies everything you look for in an NFL player,” said Chargers president of football operations John Spanos. “His professionalism, mentorship of younger players, work ethic, integrity, leadership, competitive spirit, and sense of humor all contributed to him wearing the ‘C’ on his jersey during his entire time with us. Beyond his skills on the field, Corey is a remarkable individual.
“Even as he and his wife, Anna, expanded their family from two children to four during his time with the Chargers, they consistently prioritized giving back to the community as devoted advocates for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) – a cause that led to Corey receiving two Walter Payton Man of the Year nominations throughout his career.
“While Corey has taken his final snap in the NFL, his story is far from over. We are eager to see what the next chapter holds for the Linsley family.”
Linsley started in all 132 games he played with both the Packers and Chargers. He was drafted by Green Bay in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
–Field Level Media
