Mohamed Sanu, who spent over a decade in the NFL and famously blamed Lady Gaga‘s halftime show for his team’s Super Bowl collapse, has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old wide receiver revealed on social media that he’s stepping away from the game to focus on coaching and launching his own podcast, Facts Over Stats, which aims to bring fans deeper insight into football from a player’s perspective.
“After 10+ years in the NFL, my playing chapter is closing,” Sanu wrote. “Grateful for every coach, teammate & fan… the journey continues.”
Drafted in 2012 by the Cincinnati Bengals, Sanu went on to play for six NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions. He also had a brief stint on the Miami Dolphins practice squad in 2022.
Halftime show blamed for historic Super Bowl loss
While Sanu enjoyed a solid NFL career with 435 catches, nearly 4,900 yards, and 29 touchdowns, he’s perhaps best remembered for his reaction to the Falcons‘ infamous Super Bowl LI loss.
After building a commanding 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots, the Falcons fell apart in the second half, ultimately losing 34-28 in overtime – the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Following the game, Sanu pointed to Lady Gaga’s extended halftime show as a factor in the team’s collapse.
“It definitely did,” he said when asked if the performance affected the team. “Usually, halftime is only like 15 minutes… you go sit on the couch for an hour and then try to start working out again.”
In that game, Sanu contributed two receptions for 25 yards. Years later, his comments remain one of the more unusual explanations offered for the defeat.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Sanu leaves the NFL with memorable moments – including throwing a 73-yard touchdown pass before ever catching one – and now turns the page to a new chapter in football, this time behind the microphone.
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