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Pro Bowl offensive lineman is retiring at 27

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 3:24 PM ET

Pro Bowl offensive lineman Drew Dalman has abruptly decided to retire from the NFL at the age of 27.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Dalman has informed the Chicago Bears of his intention to retire. He just finished his first season with the team.

ESPN sources: Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL at age 27. Dalman left Stanford in 2021, and after four seasons in Atlanta and one in Chicago, he has made the sudden and surprising decision to retire. pic.twitter.com/SKJcXa1res
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026

Dalman’s decision is a shocker, since there was no real indication that he was considering retiring at such a young age. He is coming off a strong season that saw him make his first career Pro Bowl, and he just signed a 3-year, $42 million contract with Chicago last offseason after four years with the Atlanta Falcons.

Dalman was a big part of the Bears’ retooled offensive line in 2025. As the team’s center, he allowed only one sack and 21 pressures while playing in all 17 games. That line was a key part of what allowed the Bears to turn things around quickly and win the NFC North with an 11-6 record.

The Bears suddenly have a major offensive line need to address this offseason. For a team that was hoping to build on last year’s success and take another step forward, it undoubtedly counts as a frustrating and unexpected setback to their ambitions.

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

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