Former Miami star Brandon Linder announces NFL retirement

Long-time Jacksonville Jaguars center and former Miami Hurricanes star Brandon Linder announced his retirement from the game Monday morning. Linder shared a heartfelt message to the city of Jacksonville after eight years with the Jags organization.

“Eight years ago, you welcomed me like a family member and have continued to support me unconditionally,” Linder wrote. “I have grown to love this city, where I have put down roots with my family, made lifelong friends, and cultivated my passion for the outdoors. After much reflection, I have realized that the man I currently aspire to be is no longer aligning with the person I must become to play this game. It is at this time that I have decided to close this chapter of my life and retire from the NFL.

“I am grateful to be able to fulfill my goal of retiring a lifetime Jaguar. Jacksonville will remain my home. I am excited to chase new dreams and l’m looking forward to all of the great things to come in the future.”

The Jaguars drafted Linder in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the No. 93 overall pick. The South Florida native is planning to stay in the Sunshine State and recently bought a property where he’s planting 1,500 native trees. He also got married last month.

Long-time #Jaguars center Brandon Linder announces his retirement pic.twitter.com/Va4BYrl7mw

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 28, 2022

Linder leaves Jacksonville as one of the longest-tenured Jags

At Miami, Linder started every game for the Canes once he found his place on the offensive line as a sophomore. The team named him the offensive MVP in his senior season and he was an All-ACC second-team selection. At Miami, he played right guard and right tackle before moving to center in the NFL.

After playing through his four-year, $2.8 million rookie deal, Linder signed the contract of his career. He signed on for five years, $51.7 million. His steep price tag heading into the 2022 season raised speculation about whether the Jags would release him. Due to injuries, Linder missed eight games this season and seven games in 2020. His retirement negates a $9.53 million cap hit for Jacksonville in 2022.