Legendary Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary has announced he is retiring from the NFL at the age of 31. He suffered a severe knee injury that kept him out for the entirety of the 2025 season, but this is shocking news for Falcons fans.
Kaleb McGary’s agent broke the news for the offensive lineman. McGary is a 6-6, 330-pound offensive tackle who played six seasons with the Falcons after being drafted by the team in 2019.
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NFL World Reacts to Kaleb McGary Retirement Announcement
Todd Kirkland/GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Kaleb McGary #76 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
As the news is breaking rapidly, here are some reactions across the NFL landscape regarding Kaleb McGary’s retirement:
What’s Next for Falcons After Kaleb McGary News?
This, like one of the reactions mentioned, leaves a big hole for the Falcons on the offensive line.
This Kaleb McGary news could force the Falcons to completely reshape their NFL draft strategy.
With pick No.48 in the second round being Atlanta’s first selection, the new front office regime may want to consider taking a tackle with that pick.
Dominant offensive linemen like Kaleb McGary don’t grow on trees, and not many of them are dependable either.
McGary’s 2025 injury likely gave him a much deeper outlook on his football career, but he previously started 92 of 93 potential games over his six-year NFL career.
It’s a big (and shocking) loss for the Falcons. Atlanta may have known his foot was halfway out the door, but it’s kind of a tough time in the NFL season cycle to have a big retirement like this.
GettyATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 15: Kaleb McGary #76 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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