Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Saints WR Chris Olave Makes Retirement Admission on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 5:02 AM ET

The New Orleans Saints won for the third week in a row after defeating the New York Jets, 29-6, in Week 16.

Kellen Moore's team has been figuring things out lately, and it continued with its fourth win in the last six games.

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough went 32-of-49 for 308 yards with a score, and Taysom Hill added a touchdown pass.

Wide receiver Chris Olave had a massive game, catching 10 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 16 targets.

It was a season-high for Olave in yards and targets.

It's been a bounce-back year for Olave, who played just eight games in 2024 and missed the final eight games after leaving on a backboard following a hit in the game against the Carolina Panthers.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12)Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

After that game, Olave was in concussion protocol again, and it was the fourth concussion of his young NFL career.

While he has been able to return and play at a high level this year, it wasn't easy last season.

After the game, Olave dropped a big admission, saying he considered retirement last season, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.

"It was a tough time last year," Olave said. "I was only 24 years old, contemplating retirement, especially with the head injuries, but I prayed about it. My fam, my close fam was around me. They stuck by my side and I just gave it another try, another chance. And it's been a great year."

In the end, Olave decided to continue playing while admitting he leaned on support from his family during the difficult times.

The 2025 season has been a bit inconsistent, but this is Olave's second 100-yard game this season and second straight game with at least one touchdown.

Olave turned 25 years old in June, so his retirement at a young age would've been a big surprise. Olave now has 92 catches for 1,044 yards on the year, making it his third 1,000-yard season in his four-year NFL career.

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

More must-reads: