The Green Bay Packers defensive lineman BJ Raji has joined Calvin Johnson and Marshawn Lynch in deciding to step away from the NFL while still in his prime.
But while Johnson and Lynch both announced their permanent retirements this year, Raji has left a return to the league open. He told the Green Bay Press-Gazette that the health of his mother and aunt were factors in his decision and he would not play in the 2016 season.
“I am taking a hiatus from the NFL and will not play during the 2016 NFL season,” said Raji. “This decision was made after hours of conversation with close family members and mentors and considerable self-introspection and is one in which I am absolutely certain. I cannot rule out a return to the NFL in the future, but I will definitely not be playing during the 2016 season.”
Thank you, #90.#Packers DT B.J. Raji stepping away from football in 2016: https://t.co/UtHjY1Yg1u pic.twitter.com/lfFt05nYj3
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) March 14, 2016
Raji said that he would use his experience in the NFL to build a life away from football. “I have played football and been defined as a football player for as long as I can remember,” he said. “This off-season was the first time that I felt myself pulled in another direction and I am excited to first be ‘all in’ with my family back home and then to explore new frontiers. I am not exactly sure what the next phase of life will entail, but I am confident that all of the lessons I learned during my NFL journey will provide a solid foundation for success.”
Raji was the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft and was named to the Super Bowl in 2011. He also won Super Bowl XLV with the Packers. However, he missed the entire 2014 season through injury and has recorded just one sack since 2012.
