Center Bradley Bozeman retires from NFL after 8 seasons

The eight-year NFL veteran, who started all 16 games last season, has shockingly called it quits on his career.

Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman announced his decision on Instagram Monday, saying he’s “ready for the next level.”

“This game has given me so much; lessons, lifelong friendships, and memories my family will carry forever. I poured everything I had into this journey and I leave grateful and proud.”

The 31-year-old Bozeman shared photos of his eight years in the league with the Chargers, Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens. He saw many different coaches and teammates across the three teams and appreciated both them and their fans.

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“Thank you to every teammate, coach and fan I have crossed paths with along the way,” he wrote.

Bozeman also showed his love for his family, including his three children: Brody, Bailey and Boone. He also called his wife, Nikki, “incredible” and told her “ride or die” from the very beginning, adding, “I couldn’t have done any of this without you!”

Bozeman concluded his article with a quote he has heard throughout his career.

“’Every career – no matter how fancy – ends in a garbage bag,’” he wrote. “The game is on. Someone is taking your place. I am grateful to God for giving me the chance to go on this journey.”

Los Angeles Chargers’ Bradley Bozeman lines up for the NFL wild-card playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

The Bozeman, Alabama native and former Crimson Tide lineman wrapped up his title with “Roll Tide,” saying the next chapter will be “life on the farm.”

Bozeman was selected by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, where he played in 14 games with one start for Baltimore. Head coach John Harbaugh then gave him the nod as the team’s starting left guard for the next two seasons, starting all 16 games in each before moving to center in 2021.

Bozeman, whose rookie deal expired after that season, joined the Panthers and spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the franchise where he was the team’s starting center.

Most recently, Bozeman teamed up with his former coach’s brother, Jim Harbaugh, as he signed with the Chargers to revamp his own line. He signed a two-year, $6.5 million deal with the team in 2025, but he won’t see that out anymore.

Bradley Bozeman of the Baltimore Ravens watches during warm-ups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland on December 12, 2021. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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Instead, the Chargers will have a spot to fill in 2025 on an offensive line that has struggled mightily after losing stars Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt to season-ending injuries.

Former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum will be a hot commodity on the free agent market and could draw interest from Los Angeles now that he is retiring from Bozeman.

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