Mohamed Sanu Retires From NFL After 10 Years & Announces New Career Path

Well, file this under “news I thought we already knew.” Mohamed Sanu has officially decided to hang up his cleats. For those of you who just checked your calendars, yes, it is 2025. Sanu, who last graced an NFL field back in 2022, apparently felt the need to make it official, probably after realizing his phone wasn’t going to ring unless it was a telemarketer.

The Announcement From Mohamed Sanu

In a move that surprised literally no one, the former wide receiver announced on X (you know, the platform formerly known as Twitter) that he’s closing the book on his playing career. He’s now pivoting to coaching and a new podcast, “Facts Over Stats,” which, given his career, is a pretty fitting title.

“After 10+ years in the NFL, my playing chapter is closing,” Sanu wrote. “Grateful for every coach, teammate, & fan. Excited to give back through coaching & share the game in a new way… The journey continues…”It’s a journey that’s been on pause for a while, but hey, who are we to judge? At least he’s not trying to pull a Favre.

A Look Back at Mohamed Sanu’s NFL Career

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. The Cincinnati Bengals snagged Mohamed Sanu in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In fact, Sanu was actually pranked during draft day. He wasn’t a superstar, but he was a solid, dependable guy—the kind of player you want on your team.

He became a reliable target, especially in his 2014 season where he pulled in 56 catches for 790 yards and five touchdowns. He was also a secret weapon, boasting a near-perfect passer rating on trick plays. Seriously, the guy was 7-for-8 with four touchdowns in his career. Maybe the Bengals should have tried him at quarterback.

After his rookie contract was up, Sanu cashed in, signing a hefty five-year, $32.5 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. There, he played second fiddle to the legendary Julio Jones and nearly got himself a Super Bowl ring in that infamous 2016 season. You know the one. Don’t mention “28-3” to anyone from Atlanta.

New England Journey

His journey then took him on a tour of the league. He was traded to the New England Patriots in 2019, which in hindsight, seemed to be the last gasp of the dynasty before it all came crumbling down. After that, he had brief stints with the 49ers, Lions, and a cup of coffee with the Dolphins.

He was a professional, a grinder, and a guy who carved out a respectable 10-year career in a league that famously stands for “Not For Long.” He made nearly $32 million, caught over 400 passes, and threw more touchdowns than some backup quarterbacks. Not too shabby.

What’s Next for the Former Receiver?

So, what does retirement look like for Mohamed Sanu? He mentioned diving into coaching, which makes perfect sense. He was always known as a smart, high-IQ player, and sharing that knowledge seems like a natural next step. Is he going to be the next great offensive mind?

Probably not, but he could be a fantastic position coach, helping young receivers understand the nuances of the game. And then there’s the podcast. It seems every former athlete has a podcast these days, but Mohamed Sanu’s venture could offer a unique perspective.

He wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer, but he was a winner and a valued teammate. He understands the intangibles, the stuff that doesn’t show up in a box score. That could make for some genuinely interesting content for fans who want to look beyond fantasy points. Enjoy retirement, Mohamed Sanu. You had a really good career in the NFL.