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Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst, who turned to football after a brief career in Major League Baseball, announced his retirement Monday after seven years in the NFL.
The 32-year-old pro, who last played in the league for the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2024 season, announced his decision in a lengthy social media post.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst (81) catches a touchdown against Detroit Lions outside linebacker Charles Harris (53) during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 26, 2021. (Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports)
“About a year late, but life has been speeding me up over the last 12 months… I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey and helped me navigate this crazy life over the last 15 years of my athletic journey,” he wrote in a caption on Instagram. “From my high school days at Bolles, until I was drafted by the Pirates, then I walked on to South Carolina and then I made the jump to the NFL. It’s a blessing to see how far sports have taken me in this life.”
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Hurst was a two-sport athlete at Florida before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 17th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He made one appearance in the minor leagues as a pitcher, walking five batters and recording one out.
He chose to attend college and pursue a football career, eventually being drafted by the Ravens as the 25th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft after three years at South Carolina.
“When I was stuck in a dorm room at 18 in Pirate City, thinking my sports career was over, I never thought I would turn it into a 7-year career in the NFL, but I put my head down and worked. I was determined to make football work after baseball failed, and I never let anyone tell me I couldn’t do anything,” he added in his retirement message.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst (81) jogs on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York on December 8, 2019. (Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports)
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“I wouldn’t change anything about my career, the ups and downs have made me dig deep, talk to God more and find out who I am inside. The answer: a fighter. I fought daily to be the best version of myself that I could and I hope that showed on the field with the passion I played on every snap and every game.”
Hurst was traded to the Atlanta Falcons after two seasons with the Ravens, where he recorded a career-high 571 yards and six touchdowns. He also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers and Chargers.
Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst (81) is tackled after a reception against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on November 9, 2023. (Daniel Bartel/USA TODAY Sports)
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“From Columbia to Baltimore, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte and Los Angeles, I got to see the world! I’m truly at peace announcing my retirement today because I checked all the sports boxes I wanted to,” he said Tuesday. “Now it’s time to sit down and be the best husband and father I can be!”
