Wide receiver D.J. Chark. Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Former Jaguars WR DJ Chark retires at 29

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 7:23 PM ET

This NFL offseason has seen quite a few players under the age of 30 announce their retirement.

On Friday, former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark joined that crowd as he announced his retirement in a lengthy Instagram post.

“After much contemplation, I have decided to share a proper farewell as I navigate retirement. My journey began at the age of 7 when I signed up for football, unaware of the profound impact it would have on my life. I simply loved the sport and had the unwavering support of my parents,” Chark wrote.

Chark was a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the first four seasons with Jacksonville, including a career-high 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight scores in 2019, the same year he made the Pro Bowl.

Chark then signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in 2022, and then he went to the Carolina Panthers in 2023.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DJ Chark (@djchark82)

In 2024, the Los Angeles Chargers took a chance on Chark, but he played just seven games due to a hip injury, and he finished with four receptions and one touchdown.

The Atlanta Falcons signed Chark in 2025, but he was released before the start of the regular season.

Chark’s NFL career comes to an end with 216 receptions for 3,100 yards and 24 touchdowns.

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

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