Taylor Heinicke played quarterback for five NFL games from 2017 to 2024 in a career best known for a comeback with Washington that included a spirited playoff run against the eventual champions.
The 33-year-old 42-game veteran announced his retirement Thursday on Instagram.
“For 25 years I had the pleasure of playing this great sport of football… It has taught me a lot, not only about myself, but also about life,” Heinicke wrote. “Many ups and downs through the years, but the ups outweigh the downs ten times. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could have lived this life.”
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Thank you to everyone who believes in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live my childhood dream.”
Heinicke was released by the Los Angeles Chargers in August 2025, which turned out to be his last NFL stop. He was an undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion who took his first NFL snaps with the Houston Texans in 2017, then went on to play for the Carolina Panthers, Washington, Atlanta Falcons and Chargers.
Heinicke was sidelined before joining Washington in 2020. A late-season addition for injured starter Alex Smith, among others, Heinicke started in Washington’s playoff game against Tom Brady and the Bucs. He threw for 206 yards, passed for a touchdown and ran for one, the latter an incredible plunge into the end zone from 8 yards out that stood as a huge highlight for years to come for the Struggle.
Washington lost, 31-23, as Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl. Heinicke continued to revitalize his career, re-signing with Washington and starting 24 games before the 2021-22 campaign.
He also started four games for the Falcons in 2023.
Overall, Heinicke played in 42 games with 29 starts and earned a 13-15-1 QB record. He passed for 6,663 yards, 39 touchdowns, 28 interceptions and rushed for 608 yards and three more TDs.