Former New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden formally introduced his retirement on Wednesday after 9 NFL seasons.
The 33-year-old Golden, who was initially chosen by the Arizona Cardinals within the second spherical of the 2015 NFL draft, spent a season and a half with the Giants from 2019-2020.
In October of 2020, he was traded again to the Cardinals in change for a 2021 sixth-round decide, which was used to pick cornerback Rodarius Williams.
After his second stint with the Cardinals, Golden joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and was positioned on the reserve/retired checklist earlier this month.
“Soccer has all the time been greater than only a sport to me, I’ve formally retired from the NFL after enjoying the sport I’ve cherished all my life,” Golden wrote on Instagram. “I really feel actually blessed to have been capable of reside out the desires and objectives I set for myself as a child. A Huge thanks to God, my household, pals, St. Louis, Matthew Dickey Boys & Women Membership, Affton, Hutchinson Neighborhood Faculty, Mizzou, The Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers for giving me the chance to pursue my desires.
“I’m additionally extremely grateful to all of the teammates and coaches I had the privilege to work with alongside the way in which. To all of the unbelievable followers, Thank You! Your ardour and vitality fueled me, and I’m grateful for every certainly one of you.”
In 23 video games (17 begins) for the Giants, Golden recorded 72 tackles (37 solo, 15 for a loss), 33 QB hits, 11.5 sacks, one move defensed, one fumble restoration, and one defensive landing.