Former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Charles Leno formally announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, nearly two years after his last game.
Leno, who played for the Chicago Bears from 2014 to 2020 and the Washington Commanders from 2021 to 2023, said his retirement comes with a heavy heart because his wife Jennifer lost their daughter, Paitynn, due to a miscarriage, which “changed everything” for him.
“…The truth is my heart left the game a long time ago,” Leno wrote. “On October 14, 2023, my wife Jennifer and I experienced the most unimaginable heartbreak. We lost our precious daughter, Paitynn — our fourth baby girl. That day changed everything for me. It changed the way I see life, the way I carry myself, and most of all, it changed what matters most to me.”
Leno announced his retirement on the two-year anniversary of his daughter’s passing.
More on Charles Leno’s Retirement
Leno began his career as a seventh-round pick from Boise State University and carved out a long career with the Bears and Commanders.
He logged 149 regular-season games with 141 starts and a Pro Bowl nod with the Bears in 2019. He was a steady force at left tackle for the Bears, who have struggled to find consistent play at LT since his departure to Washington back in 2021.
Leno wrote a three-page letter thanking teammates, coaches, his agent, family friends, and God for his football journey and reflected on what football meant to him.
“Today, I walk away from the game, not with sadness, but with deep gratitude. Football was a chapter. A big one. But my story continues as I get to step into the most important role of my life as a full-time husband, father, and proudly, a girl dad. I love being a girl dad. There’s nothing like the love of your daughters, nothing like the responsibility of raising them, protecting them, and being present for them. That’s my purpose now. That’s my legacy.”
Leno finished his post dedicating it to his late daughter, Paitynn.
“To our Angel, Paitynn – This moment is for you,” Leno wrote. “Daddy loves you forever. I carry you with me every day.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Former Bears OT Charles Leno Announces Retirement on Heartbreaking Anniversary appeared first on Heavy Sports.