Former nose tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers Breiden Fehoko has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 29.
Fehoko, who most recently played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, shared in an Instagram post Friday that he is hanging up the cleats. He was not signed to an NFL squad after being released by the Steelers before the season.
The Hawaii-born Fehoko won a national championship in college at LSU in 2020 under head coach Ed Orgeron. Prior to LSU, Fehoko spent two seasons at Texas Tech.
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Breiden Fehoko #96 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers react after a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Fehoko Shares in Instagram Post That It’s Time
Fehoko said he was fulfilled with his journey and was looking forward to retirement.
“Sometimes in life you just get a sense of fulfillment & for me it’s now. 29 years old and I couldn’t be happier with the journey of where this game has taken me,” he wrote on Instagram.
“To my family you guys never let me quit and more importantly never let me stop believing in myself. I’m thankful for every coach, teammate, trainer, opponent, agent, etc. because you guys made me a better version of myself every time I stepped on that football field.
“I’m not a fan of long novels but I’m glad to say I’m retiring from this great sport of football,” he concluded his retirement post, which included several photos from his time in college and the NFL.
GettyATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 28: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers and defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko #91 celebrate after winning the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl over the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“I’m so blessed to have a head start in life & I look forward to my next chapter with my family. I’ll miss the team dinners, bus rides, training camps, and everything in between. I won’t miss conditioning. I love Yall.”
Fehoko’s wife, Hannah, commented on the post, “I can’t wait to tell our babies about this journey! We love you babe.”
Fehoko Made His Pro Debut in 2020
The former Farrington High School standout wrapped up his college career with 71 tackles and four sacks across 28 games before making the jump to the NFL. He signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and went on to make his professional debut in a Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. In his three-year stint in Los Angeles, Fehoko recorded 36 tackles in 19 appearances.
GettyLos Angeles, CA – December 18: Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko (96) reacts after tackling Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry during the first half at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
After signing with the Steelers in 2023, he did not see game action, spending the year being waived and re-signed to the practice squad twice. The pattern repeated in 2024, and just two weeks after rejoining the team in August, he was released by Pittsburgh once again.
Active on social media, Fehoko frequently engages with fans and shares his perspective on league topics—hinting at a possible future in sports media. While not a headline name on the field, he earned considerable respect in the locker room and among fans for his openness, approachability, and positive presence.
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