Philadelphia Eagles, NFL players react to Chris Maragos’ retirement
After spending eight years in the NFL, former Philadelphia Eagles special teamer Chris Maragos called it quits.
It’s been almost two years since Chris Maragos last suited up for the Philadelphia Eagles, but it’s only been a couple of months since the team has released him. Back in 2017, Maragos was playing his typical role on the Eagles. Although he was listed as a safety, his real calling was on special teams. Since he arrived on the Eagles in 2014, Maragos established himself as a special teams ace, and eventually earned himself a leadership role being voted as a team captain.
Unfortunately, Maragos’ critical season as a leader on the Eagles was cut short in 2017 due to a non-contact knee injury. Maragos stayed around the Eagles facilities during his rehabilitation process and remained a leader throughout the Eagles Super Bowl run. But his quiet struggles moving forward lead to the end of Maragos’ playing career.
In 2018, Maragos wouldn’t find the field. It was a strange situation considering the Eagles left little to no details on what’s going on with the special teamer. Soon, we would figure out that Maragos’ recovery was not going as smooth as it typically would. After the 2018 season concluded, we would find out that Maragos was going in for surgery once again.
Eventually, the Eagles cut Maragos to save some much-needed cap space. The 32-year-old safety became a free agent for the first time in five seasons, and he wasn’t getting much action on the open market. Come to find out, his knee still wasn’t ready after two surgeries. So on Tuesday, Maragos underwent a third surgery, and when he awoke from his procedure, he took to Twitter to finally announce his retirement from the NFL.
Maragos’ announcement
What an amazing ride, thankful for everyone who made it so great! pic.twitter.com/8X3icR3kGI
— Chris Maragos (@ChrisMaragos) July 16, 2019
The Eagles reaction
Thank you, @ChrisMaragos.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 17, 2019
Congratulations on an incredible career! pic.twitter.com/TfsGbTjqlq
2019 Retirement class member, Chris Long
Congrats brother https://t.co/i5QBJj4hW2
— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) July 16, 2019
Former Eagles tight end, Trey Burton
One of my all time favorite teammates. I could go on and on about what this dude meant to not only the culture of the locker room but also to my family and I. You’re first class man! Congrats on an awesome career! https://t.co/5tY60ROSn6
— Trey Burton (@TreyBurton8) July 16, 2019
Houston Texans star, JJ Watt
Unbelievable run for a Wisconsin walk-on transfer from the MAC!
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 16, 2019
Incredible career for an incredible man. Happy for you and everything you’ve accomplished bro! Can’t wait to see the next steps for you and your family! https://t.co/RiB4VQ56tJ
Maragos’ former Seattle teammate, Richard Sherman
One of the best men and teammates I’ve had!!! Hell of a Ride brother! https://t.co/cFY4tFvJyx
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) July 16, 2019
Former Eagles wideout, Jeremy Maclin
Salute bro! Nothing but respect for you!
— Jeremy Maclin (@jmac___19) July 16, 2019
Fellow Super Bowl teammate, Torrey Smith
Congrats on a great career! One of the best teammates and men I’ve been around!! https://t.co/C1UHydghyJ
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) July 17, 2019
Zach Ertz thanks Maragos
One of the best humans I’ve ever met. Thank you brother for continually pushing me on and off the field to be better in every aspect of my life! I know the best is yet to come!! https://t.co/yF2wsAz0mX
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) July 17, 2019