5 hours ago
12
Pro Bowl offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr has announced his retirement from the NFL two years to the minute since he and his wife tragically lost their baby daughter.
Leno, who enjoyed seven seasons with the Chicago Bears before a three-year spell in Washington, took to Instagram to share the news on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old has brought the curtain down on his career exactly two years on from his wife Jen's devastating miscarriage, which he described as 'the most unimaginable heartbreak.'
Following the death of Paitynn Maui Leno - who would have been their fourth daughter - Leno admits his heart left the game of football and has never returned.
As a result, at 2:46pm CDT on October 14, 2025, he officially walked away from the NFL on the very day and minute they lost Paitynn two years ago.
'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 said in his retirement message.
Charles Leno Jr has retired from the NFL two years to the minute since he and wife Jen lost their baby daughter after a miscarriage
Leno enjoyed seven seasons with the Chicago Bears before a three-year spell in Washington
'Football has given me so much. It gave me the platform to grow, to lead, to overcome. It took me from being a kid with a dream to a man standing here today, proud of what I've accomplished.
'From being drafted in the seventh round at pick 246, to becoming a starting left tackle for two incredible teams. From giving it my all every Sunday to walking off the field with nothing left in the tank, I'm proud of that. I'm proud of my journey.'
He continued: 'But on that October day in 2023, something in me shifted. I knew then that I was done with football. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. My priority, my passion, my purpose had changed. My heart now belongs fully to my family. And I knew one day, when the time was right, I'd make it official.'
Leno played college football at Boise State before being drafted by the Bears in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Four years later he rewarded their faith by making the Pro Bowl.
The Oakland-born left tackle made a total of 102 appearances in Chicago, before going on to register 47 for Washington after being signed by the team in 2021. After being released in March 2024 he spent the previous campaign as a free agent.
Leno thanked God, his family and friends, agent, teammates and more before paying an emotional tribute to Paitynn.
'To our angel, Paitynn - This moment is for you. Daddy loves you forever. I carry you with me every day,' he wrote.
The 34-year-old offensive tackle paid tribute to his wife Jen in his retirement announcement
The couple, who tragically lost baby girl Paitynn in October 2023, have three other daughters
'And lastly, to my wife, Jen - You are my rock. You've stood by me through every win, every loss, every injury and every triumph. You are the strongest woman I know, and the most incredible mother to our girls. Thank you for your love, your resilience, and for being my partner through everything.
'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.
'This isn't goodbye-it's just a new beginning. I love you, Paitynn. This one's for you.'
