{"id":824295,"date":"2026-03-21T02:18:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T02:18:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/824295\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T02:18:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T02:18:30","slug":"former-jacksonville-jaguars-pro-bowler-makes-stunning-career-decision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/824295\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Jacksonville Jaguars Pro Bowler makes stunning career decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the NFL<\/a> offseason progresses, teams are wrapping up free agency and shifting their focus to the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

Players who plan to wait until after the draft aren\u2019t just hoping for an opportunity\u2014they\u2019re making pivotal decisions about their futures. One former Pro Bowl wide receiver has made a surprising choice.<\/p>\n

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On Friday, reports<\/a> indicated that former 1,000-yard receiver D.J. Chark has decided to retire. At just 29 years old, he is calling it a career.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Chark in 2018 in the second-round. He found early success despite instability at quarterback.<\/p>\n

He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019 after recording more than 1,000 receiving yards, 73 receptions, and eight touchdowns. Injuries disrupted the next two seasons, prompting him to move on.<\/p>\n

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Chark later filled WR2 and WR3 roles in Detroit and Carolina, where he provided a reliable option in the passing game while playing on one-year deals.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He last appeared in regular-season action in 2024, when limited playing time cut his season short. He attempted a comeback with the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 but suffered a preseason injury.<\/p>\n

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Chark brought clear talent to the field but struggled to stay healthy. The former LSU standout likely would have drawn interest after the NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

Instead, he chose to retire at a relatively young age and will now move on to the next phase of his life.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

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