Bradley Bozeman, the Chargers’ starting center the past two seasons, announced his retirement from the NFL with a social media post on Monday. Bozeman started 33 of 34 regular-season games plus two AFC wild-card playoff games during his tenure with the Chargers.
Bozeman’s retirement gives the Chargers an additional $6 million in salary cap space, providing roughly $90 million of total cap space during the offseason, according to the website overthecap.com. Free agency begins March 11 and the NFL draft will be conducted April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
“After eight seasons in the NFL, I’m ready for my next chapter,” Bozeman wrote on Instagram. “This game has given me so much – lessons, lifelong friendships, and memories my family will carry forever. I’ve poured everything I had into this journey, and I walk away grateful and proud.”
Bozeman, 31, thanked his former teammates, coaches and the fans of his three teams. In addition to playing two seasons with the Chargers, he played two with the Carolina Panthers and four with the Baltimore Ravens, who picked him in the sixth round of the NFL draft in 2018.
In addition, he gave thanks to his “amazing family who supported me every step of this journey,” including his children Brody, Bailey and Boone.
“Someone once told me, ‘Every career – no matter how decorated – ends in a trash bag,’” Bozeman wrote on his Instagram post. “The game moves on. Someone fills your spot. I’m just thankful God gave me the chance to take the ride. On to the next chapter of life at the farm!”