Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rishard Matthews announced his retirement on Monday, sharing the news from his official Instagram account. Matthews was waived by the Saints Saturday, after their first preseason game, with a “left squad” designation. Saints head coach Sean Payton explained Matthews’ departure as having been the eight-year veteran’s decision, and Matthews confirmed that in his announcement.
“It was cool being a professional football player and getting to play a kids game for work,” Matthews wrote, “I will always be a fan of the best sport in the world but for me that kid’s game no longer exist(s).”
Matthews had a legitimate shot to not only make the roster, but be a big-time player for the Saints this year. Despite some encouraging moments from other receivers on the roster, the Saints still have just one sure-thing in Michael Thomas, a first-team All-Pro last season. Matthews linked up with Drew Brees and the other Saints quarterbacks at times in training camp, but he wasn’t making plays consistently. That drop in performance likely played a part in his decision to end his NFL career on his own terms.
