Longtime Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders offensive lineman Charles Leno Jr. announced his retirement from the NFL on Instagram.
In a heartfelt message, he details his decision to retire after 10 seasons based on a family tragedy that changed his life.
Leno Jr. publicly announced his decision exactly two years after his wife, Jennifer Leno, experienced a miscarriage in 2023. He reveals that the loss of their unborn child changed him, as he and his family move on to the next chapter of their lives.
"On October 14, 2023, my wife Jennifer and I experienced the most unimaginable heartbreak. We lost our precious daughter, Paitynn-our fourth baby girl. That day changed everything for me. It changed the way I see life, the way I carry myself, and most of all, it changed what matters most to me," he wrote.
He goes on to say how much football has meant to him, and having given him a "platform to grow, lead, to overcome." Detailing his accomplishments in the sport throughout his career, Leno Jr. openly admits that he wasn’t the same after the miscarriage.
"But on that October day in 2023, something in me shifted. I knew then that I was done with football. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. My priority, my passion, my purpose had changed. My heart now belongs fully to my family. And I knew one day, when the time was right, l'd make it official," he said.
In a long farewell message, he adds his thanks to family and friends, as well as his teammates who gave him a sense of “brotherhood”.
"Today, I walk away from the game, not with sadness, but with deep gratitude. Football was a chapter. A big one. But my story continues as I get to step into the most important role of my life as a full-time husband, father, and, proudly, a girl dad."
"I love being a girl dad. There's nothing like the love of your daughters, nothing like the responsibility of raising them, protecting them, and being present for them. That's my purpose now. That's my legacy. This isn't goodbye-it's just a new beginning," wrote Leno Jr., ending his message.
Leno Jr. and his wife Jennifer share daughters Carsynn, Oaklynn and Jordynn. In his message, he also mentions their late daughter Paitynn.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/F8cQIfL
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