The Green Bay Packers defensive lineman B.J. Raji is going to step away from football. He won’t play in 2016 but could return to the NFL. According to ESPN, Raji said, “I have played football and been defined as a football player for as long as I can remember. This off-season was the first time that I felt myself pulled in another direction and I am excited to first be ‘all in’ with my family back home and then to explore new frontiers. I am not exactly sure what the next phase of life will entail, but I am confident that all of the lessons I learned during my NFL journey will provide a solid foundation for success.”
B.J. Raji has played in the NFL for seven years. In 2009, he was drafted 9th overall by the Packers. In his first season he had 1 sack. In 2010 he had a career high 6.5 sacks. Raji missed 2014 due to bicep tears. This year was a year to forget. Raji only had half a sack and 12 tackles. In his career he’s sacked the quarterback 11 times. Raji appeared in one Pro Bowl back in 2011. He was part of the Packers when they won Super Bowl XLV and they defeated Pittsburgh 31-25.
Raji is young and has plenty of playing time left in him. Seven years isn’t a long time to play in the NFL as a defensive tackle. Raji has a Super Bowl ring. There isn’t much left for him to do but win another one as well as adding more stats to his name.
What is surprising is that as a free agent he could have gone to another team or stayed with the Packers. If he went elsewhere, he might have been a starter and gotten paid millions of dollars. The Packers are a Super Bowl threat.
For Raji a year off will give him time to reflect. If he feels the need to suit up again, he may do so. Raji is the only one that knows what is best for his future.
What do you think of B.J. Raji taking a year off from the NFL?
Right move. Save his body and brain. I think more NFLers are going to retire early given the concussion info we are learning. Calvin Johnson probably could’ve played a few more seasons as well.