Wide receiver Mike Williams has informed the Los Angeles Chargers that he is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons, the team announced on Thursday in the opening day of training camp.
Williams, 30, was placed on the physically unable to perform list earlier this week.
Injuries have been a common occurrence for Williams since he was selected by the Chargers with the seventh overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Clemson. He injured his back in both 2017 and 2022 and sustained a torn ACL in 2023, an injury that likely limited him in 2024 when he split 18 games with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Williams totaled just 21 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown last season. He had 12 receptions for 166 yards in nine games (three starts) with the Jets before being traded to the Steelers for a fifth-round pick of the 2025 draft.
“I want what’s best for Mike. He’s always been there for us, and we’re going to be there for him,” said quarterback Justin Herbert, who spent four seasons with Williams on the Chargers.
“It’s obviously a tough situation. I’ve got so much respect for him as a teammate, as a friend, as a receiver, as a player and the man that he is.”
The Chargers posted a photo of Williams with the words “Thank You” on X, formerly Twitter.
Williams, who re-signed with the Chargers on a one-year, $6-million contract in March, also was expected to face competition from unsigned wide receiver Tre Harris out of Ole Miss. The latter was selected by the Chargers in the second round of the 2025 draft.
The Chargers feature Ladd McConkey and are expected to involve Quentin Johnston in their aerial attack.
Williams caught 330 passes for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns in 106 career games (67 starts) with the Chargers, Jets and Steelers.
Also on Thursday, the Chargers signed offensive tackle Ryan Nelson, who appeared in 28 games (22 starts) over the last three seasons with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers.
–Field Level Media
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