On Tuesday, Pro Bowl offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. announced his retirement from the NFL in a deeply emotional and personal message.
The timing was not coincidental, as he chose to step away exactly two years to the minute after he and his wife, Jen, endured the heartbreaking loss of their unborn daughter, Paitynn Maui. This tragic event marked a profound turning point in Leno’s life and ultimately led to his decision to retire at the age of 34.
Leno took to Instagram at 2:46 pm CDT, the exact time of their devastating loss in 2023, to share the news with his fans and followers.
He described that day as “the most unimaginable heartbreak,” revealing how losing Paitynn forever changed his perspective on life, love, and his priorities. For the first time, Leno admitted his heart had left the game of football, and it never truly returned.
Over his NFL career, Leno spent seven seasons with the Chicago Bears before moving on to a three-year stint with the Washington Commanders. He thanked football for everything it had given him – from a platform to grow, to opportunities to lead, and moments to overcome adversity.
“Football took me from being a kid with a dream to a man standing here today, proud of what I’ve accomplished,” he reflected. Drafted in the seventh round in 2014, pick number 246, Leno carved out a successful career as a starting left tackle, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2018.
But after the loss of Paitynn, Leno revealed that everything shifted. “My priority, my passion, my purpose had changed. My heart now belongs fully to my family,” he wrote. While physically capable of continuing, he felt mentally and emotionally done with football. The timing of his retirement was deeply symbolic, happening exactly two years after the day that changed everything.
A new chapter begins
Leno’s decision highlights a rare but powerful reason for retirement, one rooted not in injury or age but in emotional transformation. His story reminds us that athletes are human beings first, whose priorities can evolve dramatically in the face of life’s most difficult moments.
Before joining the NFL, Leno played college football at Boise State. His professional journey began when the Bears drafted him in 2014.
He made 102 appearances in Chicago, consistently proving himself as a dependable offensive lineman. After signing with Washington in 2021, he started in 47 games. Following his release in March 2024, Leno spent the subsequent season as a free agent.
Throughout his announcement, Leno expressed deep gratitude – to God, his family, friends, teammates, and fans. He paid a moving tribute to Paitynn: “To our angel, Paitynn, this moment is for you. Daddy loves you forever. I carry you with me every day.” He also praised his wife Jen for her strength and resilience, calling her “my rock” and “the most incredible mother” to their daughters.
Football was a significant chapter in Leno’s life, but now he embraces his most important role: full-time husband and father. As a proud “girl dad,” he shared his joy and responsibility in raising his daughters, promising to protect and be present for them. “There’s nothing like the love of your daughters. That’s my purpose now. That’s my legacy,” he said.
Leno Jr.’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable football career but the beginning of a new journey – one defined by love, family, and healing. It’s a powerful reminder that even the strongest athletes can be transformed by the deepest heartaches, and that sometimes, walking away is the bravest move of all.
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