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Over the past decade, Charles Leno Jr. has focused largely on the NFL. As the offensive lineman enters the next chapter of his life, he now turns his attention to those closest to him.
On Tuesday, the former Washington Commanders offensive lineman cited his wife Jennifer Leno’s miscarriage in his retirement announcement. Tuesday also marked the second anniversary of the Leno family losing their daughter Paitynn.
“On October 14, 2023, my wife Jennifer and I experienced the most unimaginable heartbreak. We lost our precious daughter, Paitynn, our fourth little girl,” the 34-year-old wrote in a statement posted to Instagram.
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Charles Leno Jr. (72) of the Washington Commanders is shown before the game against the Buffalo Bills at FedExField on September 24, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (G Fiume/Getty Images)
“That day changed everything for me. It changed the way I look at life, the way I behave, and most importantly, it changed what matters most to me.”
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Leno added that he realized his heart could no longer be fully engaged in the game he once loved.
“I knew then that I was done with football,” he continued. “Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. My priority, my passion, my purpose had changed. My heart now fully belongs to my family. And I knew that one day, when the time was right, I would make it official.”
Charles Leno Jr. (72) of the Washington Commanders reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 1, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The retired NFL offensive lineman described being a father as “the greatest role of my life.” Leno shares three daughters with his wife.
“Your laughter, your love and your strength gave me a purpose far beyond football,” Leno wrote in a message to his daughters. “I want to be there for every moment, every step, and every memory to come.”
Charles Leno Jr. (72) of the Washington Commanders leaves the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Leno also thanked his wife in his announcement, describing her as his “rock.”
The Chicago Bears drafted Leno in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Bears before joining Washington.
