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Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Shaun Bradley announced his NFL retirement on social media Friday night.
Former Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls linebacker Shaun Bradley is officially ending his football playing career.
In an eight-paragraph message on X this weekend, Bradley told his social media followers he will no longer pursue another football opportunity.
The linebacker announced his retirement in the form of a letter to “football.”
“Dear Football, I don’t even know where to start,” wrote Bradley on Friday night. “Thank you for giving me every I could ever imagine and more.”
Bradley spent the early portion of the 2025 offseason with the Kansas City Chiefs. The linebacker has been a free agent since May 1 when the Chiefs released him.
“They say, when one chapter closes … Another opens … and man, I’m so excited to see what’s next,” concluded Bradley. “I love you all who have been there!
“I got your back forever. And it’s always GO Birds.”
Bradley last appeared in an NFL regular season game during 2022. He didn’t play in the regular season or playoffs for any other team besides the Eagles.
Shaun Bradley’s Eagles Resume
In addition to the Chiefs, Bradley experienced a stint with the Houston Texans in the final two years of his NFL career. Bradley was last on the Eagles roster in August 2023.
But clearly, he still has an attachment to the organization.
The Eagles drafted Bradley at No. 196 overall in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he earned a roster spot right out of training camp.
Bradley carved out a role with Philadelphia mostly as a special teams player. Over three years, the linebacker only played 131 defensive snaps overall.
Yet, he dressed for 15 games each year from 2020-22.
However, injuries began to pile up for Bradley toward the end of his Eagles tenure. He didn’t play in the 2022-23 postseason because of a wrist injury. Then the following preseason, Bradley suffered a torn Achilles tendon while punt blocking.
The linebacker provided more details about his injury past in his social media message.
“I had a neck surgery in 2022, Achilles surgery in 2023 … through all of that, I still love you [football],” wrote Bradley. “Unfortunately in September 2025, I was told my neck injury was getting worse, and I was playing with borrowed time, so I decided to shut it down.
“The toughest and most emotional time of my life … feeling like I still had so much more to give but understanding how any more damage could impact my body …
“It wasn’t until recently I finally found some peace and closure.”
Bradley Lived Out a Dream for His Hometown Team
Along with his message, Bradley posted four pictures of himself in various football uniforms. The linebacker began playing the sport in his hometown of Westhampton, New Jersey, which is roughly 30 miles east of Philadelphia.
Bradley played at Rancocas Valley Regional High School and then stayed local for college. The linebacker starred at Temple from 2016-19. In 50 career games, he posted 256 combined tackles, including 22 tackles for loss, two sacks and three interceptions.
In 2018, he returned an interception for a touchdown.
Bradley thanked God, family, friends, teammates and coaches in his post Friday. He also dedicated a paragraph to the Eagles.
“Thank you to the Philadelphia Eagles for taking a chance on me, Howie [Roseman] and Mr. Lurie. I am Forever grateful to you two, you gave me the dream of a lifetime,” wrote Bradley.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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