Ryan Jensen, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers center, has announced his retirement after enduring multiple knee injuries over the past two seasons. In 2022, Jensen injured his knee during training camp and only made a comeback in the Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys. However, his knee issues persisted in 2023, causing him to miss the entire season.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, Jensen shared a heartfelt message about closing this chapter of his life. He expressed pride in his NFL career, acknowledging the valuable lessons he learned through both the highs and lows. Jensen admitted that retiring from a sport he had loved since childhood was not easy but expressed excitement for the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Reflecting on his journey, Jensen reminisced about being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 as a sixth-round pick from Division II Colorado State-Pueblo. He spent five seasons with the Ravens before joining the Buccaneers as a free agent in 2018.
With Jensen’s retirement, the NFL bids farewell to a dedicated and resilient player who overcame adversity throughout his career. As he turns the page to a new chapter, fans and fellow athletes alike will undoubtedly be watching to see what the future holds for this talented individual.
Jensen’s Emotional Retirement Announcement
In a heartfelt Instagram post, former Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, Jensen, announced his retirement from the NFL. Reflecting on his journey, Jensen expressed gratitude to the Ravens for helping shape him into the player he aspired to be. He also thanked the Buccaneers for welcoming him with open arms and allowing him to create lasting memories and friendships during his time with the team.
Jensen’s Career Highlights
During his career, Jensen achieved significant milestones, including a Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl victory with the Buccaneers in 2020. He showcased his skills in 90 career games and participated in seven playoff matchups, leaving a mark on the field.
A Non-Traditional Treatment Attempt
Following an injury, Jensen explored alternative treatment options and decided to try a unique method involving stem cells from umbilical cords. Unfortunately, this approach did not yield the desired results, leading the Buccaneers to place him on injured reserve for the 2023 season.
No Regrets, Only Gratitude
Looking back on his career, Jensen expressed no regrets. He viewed every opportunity as a gift and approached each challenge with unparalleled tenacity. Throughout his journey, Jensen credited his unwavering support system, including his wife, children, friends, and family, for enabling him to achieve success both professionally and personally.
A Special Thank You to Fans
In his farewell message, Jensen extended his appreciation to the Ravens and Buccaneers for taking a chance on a small-town Colorado kid. He also gave a special shout-out to the Buccaneers’ loyal fanbase, known as the Krewe, for their unwavering support. Jensen concluded his message with a spirited call to action, urging fans to “Fire the cannons!” and reminding everyone that football is meant to be fun.
Financial Considerations for the Buccaneers
While Jensen’s retirement announcement is filled with sentiment, it also has financial implications for the Buccaneers. The team will face a salary cap hit of $16.6 million due to his contract. However, they have the option to release him on June 1, which would split the burden into $4.8 million for 2024 and $11.8 million in 2025.
