All-Pro offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz became the latest player in the past couple of weeks to announce his NFL retirement. Schwartz revealed that he’s done with football via a statement posted on his social media.
Schwartz didn’t play at all in 2021 after having back surgery the year prior. While he noted that he’s “feeling as good as I have since then,” he doesn’t believe his body is capable of the grueling challenges of professional football anymore.
“I’ve enjoyed so much my time in the NFL and walk away feeling fulfilled,” said Schwartz. “I have other interests that I’ll have more time to explore: food/cooking and my ‘Mitch in the Kitch’ series, travel, golf, horology. But most importantly, I’ll have more time with my wife, Brooke, and our two little dogs.”
Mitchell Schwartz started his NFL journey with the Cleveland Browns, who selected him in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Schwartz went on to start every single game for the Browns in the next four years without missing a single snap on the offense. Despite this, Cleveland didn’t push hard to keep him, and he joined the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent.
While with the Chiefs, Schwartz continued to be a dependable presence. He made four All-Pro Teams in the next four years while also helping Kansas City win a Super Bowl LIV. A back injury shut him down in Week 7 of the 2020 season, and he hasn’t played football since.
