The veteran offensive lineman has hung up his cleats after eight seasons.
Los Angeles Chargers starting center Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons in a recent Instagram post.
After redshirting his freshman year at Alabama due to a high school ACL injury, Bozeman nearly quit football following a strained relationship with a former position coach that resulted in limited playing time. He was advised to wait until the end of the season before making a decision—a choice that ultimately led to two national championships with the Crimson Tide and a team captain role in his final season.
The 31-year-old was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent the first four seasons of his career. He signed with the Carolina Panthers during 2022 free agency on a one-year deal and later agreed to a three-year, $18 million extension the following offseason. After being released the next year, Bozeman joined the Chargers, where he spent the final two seasons of his career. He started in 33 of 34 possible games for Los Angeles, missing just one this past season due to a severe illness.
Bozeman posted a career-worst season in 2025, allowing 36 total pressures and three sacks. He earned a 51.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 40th out of 40 eligible centers. Bozeman’s 51.1 run-blocking grade also ranked 40th, while his 49.2 pass-blocking grade finished 37th.
Bozeman calling it quits closes a chapter on a career defined by perseverance. From nearly walking away from the game in college to logging 110 NFL starts, his path was never linear. While his final season in Los Angeles was a challenging one, durability and leadership remained his greatest strengths throughout his eight years in the league.
For the Chargers, Bozeman’s retirement frees up nearly $6 million in cap space, bringing their total to roughly $90 million this offseason. His departure leaves a void along the interior of an offensive line that was the team’s biggest weakness last season. With ample financial flexibility, Los Angeles has the resources to explore options in free agency or the trade market to solidify the center position—though a draft selection should not be ruled out as part of a long-term solution.
Replacing a veteran presence is never simple, especially at a communication-heavy position like center. However, given Bozeman’s struggles in 2025, the move could ultimately provide the Chargers with an opportunity to upgrade the position and reset the interior of the offensive line heading into the offseason.