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Former Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst, who transitioned to football after a brief career in the Major Leagues, 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 with 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)
“Almost a year late, but life has sped up these 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 an Instagram caption. “From my high school days in Bolles, to being drafted by the Pirates, to walking into South Carolina and then making the jump to the NFL. It’s a blessing how far sports have taken me in this life.”
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Hurst was a two-sport athlete at Florida before being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 17th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He made one minor league appearance as a pitcher, walking five batters and recording one out.
He opted to go to college and pursue a football career, eventually being selected by the Ravens with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft after three years at South Carolina.
“When I was stuck in a dormitory at 18 years old in Pirate City, thinking my sports career was over, I never thought I’d 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 me, and I never let anyone tell me I couldn’t do anything,” he added in his retirement post.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst (81) runs 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 made me dig deeper, talk to God more and discover who I was on the inside. The answer: a fighter. I fought daily to be the best version of myself I could and I hope it shows on the field with the passion I played on every play and in 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 the 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 to Atlanta to Cincinnati to Charlotte to Los Angeles, I got to see the world! I’m truly at peace announcing my retirement today because I met all the athletic requirements I wanted,” he said Tuesday. “Now is the time to sit down and be the best husband and father I can be!”
