Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Chargers Lose Starter After Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 10:35 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers are enjoying a run of form under Jim Harbaugh. The 2024-25 seasons mark the first time since the 2006-07 campaigns that the team had consecutive double-digit wins.

While Harbaugh's coaching had plenty to do with the consistency the Chargers are enjoying, players like Bradley Bozeman also played a huge role in the regular-season dominance.

The 31-year-old center was a fixture in the Chargers' offensive line last season, only missing one of the 34 regular-season games he was eligible for last season. The team ranked 18th in passing yards (3,608) and 12th in rushing yards (2,067) with him leading the protection for Justin Herbert and the team's RBs.

Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman (75) snaps the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While the team was counting on him to keep the Chargers O-line steady for next season, Bozeman's offseason decision creates a new problem for Harbaugh to solve.

Bradley Bozeman Retires After 8 NFL Seasons

NFL .com insider Ian Rapoport broke the news that the eight-year NFL veteran is calling it career through an Instagram post.

"This game has given me so much — lessons, lifelong friendships and memories my family will carry forever," Bozeman wrote on his retirement message. "I've poured everything I had into this journey, and I walk away grateful and proud."

Long-time NFL C Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement on IG. pic.twitter.com/DtkDFdgYCl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2026

He then thanked his former teammates, coaches, fans and his family before mulling about the speed of how the game moves on.

"Someone once told me, 'Every career — no matter how decorated — ends in a trash bag,'" he explained. "The game moves on. Someone fills your spot."

Bozeman didn't get a single Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod to his name, but he was a reliable player for the Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers. He played in 129 games and started in 110 of them. He only committed 18 total penalties during his time as a pro.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: