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By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
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Former Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders offensive lineman Charles Leno Jr. announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, two years after his daughter tragically died back in 2023.
Leno hasn't played in a game since 2023. He played seven seasons with the Bears from 2014 to 2020, before moving to the Commanders for three seasons.
He had a long career, playing in 149 games and making the 2018 Pro Bowl. The offensive lineman was released in 2024 by Washington after Dan Quinn took over as the head coach.
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After spending more than a season without a team, Leno concluded his playing career with a statement on Instagram.
More news: Chiefs Cut Ties With Young Wide Receiver After Disappointing Tenure
"Today, October 14, 2025 at 2:46PM, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the National Football League, but the truth is my heart left the game a long time ago. On October 14, 2023, my wife Jennifer and I experienced the most unimaginable heartbreak. We lost our precious daughter, Paitynn, our fourth baby girl," Leno said in a statement.
"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. Football has given me so much. It gave me the platform to grow, to lead, to overcome. It took me from being a kid with a dream to a man standing here today, proud of what I've accomplished. From being drafted in the seventh round at pick 246, to becoming a starting left tackle for two incredible teams.
"From giving it my all every Sunday to walking off the field with nothing left in the tank, I'm proud of that. I'm proud of my journey. From the consecutive snap and game streak, to the Pro Bowl, Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination, a 4X NFLPA Community MVP, and a two time Alan Page Community Award Runner Up, it has been quite the ride.
"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, I'd make it official."
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Paitynn Leno died during a miscarriage that Charles' wife, Jen, suffered while the player was getting ready for the Commanders' game against the Atlanta Falcons. He was informed in Atlanta and did not end up playing in the game.
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