Tight end Julius Thomas is walking away from football. Thomas, who last played for the Miami Dolphins, published a piece on the Players Tribune on Friday to announce his decision, while also showing which direction he’ll go next in life.
According to Thomas, his time away from the sport will be spent in school, as he plans to pursue a doctorate in psychology.
I’m ready to admit that I’m okay with giving up the identity of “Julius the football player.” I’m O.K. with not being recognized as an NFL athlete — because I’m more than that. I have stepped out of my identity before, and I will continue to do it again and again throughout life. I believe helping others is what I’m supposed to be doing at this point in my life. Hopefully I can help by encouraging more of my peers to connect with who they are outside of the game. If ultimately that’s what I’m remembered for, I’d be very thankful.
Last year, he played 14 games for the Dolphins, and in the process, recorded 388 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 41 receptions. His decision to retire came five months after Miami released him to clear $5.6 million worth of space on the team’s salary cap.
Julius Thomas played his first four seasons with the Denver Broncos, who took him in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. In his third year in the league, Thomas made the first of his two Pro Bowls appearances in 2013. He will be named a Pro Bowler again the following year.
Thomas, who also played two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars between his time with Denver and Miami, concludes his NFL career with 226 receptions 2,406 receiving yards, and 36 touchdowns.
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