Ryan Kerrigan retires after signing a ONE-DAY contract to return to Washington Commanders – the franchise where he spent a decade – just so he can end his career in burgundy and gold
- Ryan Kerrigan spent 10 years in Washington after being drafted in 2011
- He was a four-time Pro Bowler and also holds the franchise record for sacks
- Kerrigan said that he was ‘thankful’ for the way that his career turned out
- He played last season in Philadelphia but returned to Washington to be honored
The Washington Commanders announced Friday that fan favorite pass-rusher Ryan Kerrigan signed a one-day contract with the team to retire with the franchise he spent nearly all of his career with.
Drafted by Washington in 2011, Kerrigan ends his career as the franchise leader in sacks and a four-time Pro Bowler. He didn’t miss a game for the first eight seasons of his career and played in three playoff games for the franchise.
Kerrigan spent last season – his only outside of Washington – with the Eagles, but returned to Washington Saturday to be honored.
‘Sometimes I think about the life that I’ve been able to live because of football, and I can’t believe it’s me that’s been chosen to live it,’ he said in a statement.
Kerrigan was honored at a retirement press conference at the Washington facility Saturday
Kerrigan celebrated the milestone with his wife Jessica (right) and their children
‘No matter how long I played and no matter how focused I was on the task at hand, I thankfully never lost sight of just how cool it is to be an NFL player. Pulling up to FedEx Field on game day and seeing so many people there in my jersey was just about as cool (as) it gets.
‘And to have had the success that I was able to have? Something I never in my wildest dreams could have envisioned. To say I’m thankful would be quite the understatement.’
The 33-year-old, who spent 10 seasons in Washington, told reporters Saturday that he actually decided to retire now ahead of last season, after getting a bleak medical report on his knee. Kerrigan said he’d still want to play if it weren’t for that ailment, but also recognized the benefits of his newfound retirement.
‘I do feel a sense of relief that it’s July and I don’t have to go hit anybody,’ he told reporters.
The Purdue grad was highly respected by his teammates. Daron Payne, who played with Kerrigan for three seasons in Washington, summed up some of the reasons why.
‘Everything he does is the right way to do things, and you can learn so much from him if you just sit back and watch him,’ Payne said. ‘I appreciate him, I love him to death and I’m just happy that I got a chance to play with him.’