Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Saints Lose Veteran Center to Retirement After NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Mohammad Asif Ansari | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 1:49 AM ET

New Orleans veteran offensive lineman Will Clapp’s career was nothing less than a sturdy anchor in the NFL trenches — just like he did season after season to unlock the path for his backfield in the sport of gridiron. Clapp, the 30-year-old LSU product, who retired after seven active seasons, is in a good circle of Louisiana legends — he was a two-time First-team All-SEC selection and a seventh-round selection (245th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Clapp’s journey of 66 regular-season games and 22 starts, totaling 2,555 offensive snaps, is kept in history for all time. In the legacy of The Bolts, Clapp was holding the line on his shoulders when he was thrust into a starting role in Week 4 of the 2023 season, and he even served Bills Mafia in the 2024 postseason. Despite that, does Clapp feel the weight of his final chapter being cut short? It was a severe Lisfranc injury in a 2025 preseason matchup against the Chargers that required surgery and influenced his decision to step away while still in the prime of his athletic life.

Veteran center Will Clapp has retired from the NFL. pic.twitter.com/N3NrFR6aM8
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 26, 2026

The veteran’s character, shown to the world through his social media, spoke of a heart of giving to his support system. Clapp and his wife, Lizzie Cousins, grew up together as Crusaders at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans. He stays grateful for his wife, who has been there from the first to the last, and he gave a tribute to her:

“From the first to the last and all the ones in between, thank you for being my rock! Grateful for an amazing career and excited for our next chapter!”

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What if Clapp returns to the Black and Gold? Well, there is news that he may be looking to transition into a coaching role back in New Orleans for sure.

Clapp might be becoming a mentor, but he’s still in good shape for the next chapter of his life.

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

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