Former Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst retires at 32

Published: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 1:26 pm

Former NFL Tight End Hayden Hurst Announces Retirement

Former NFL tight end Hayden Hurst has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. The announcement came on the first day of free agency via a social media post. Hurst last played in the 2024 season with the Chargers.

Hurst was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He reflected on his career, noting that his retirement was "about a year overdue." Hurst highlighted his journey from a challenging start in baseball to a successful seven-year NFL career.

Before his football career, Hurst was a two-sport athlete. He was drafted by the Pirates in the 17th round of the 2012 MLB Draft as a pitcher. After a brief stint in Minor League Baseball, he transitioned to college football.

At the University of South Carolina, Hurst excelled as a tight end. He earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a finalist for the John Mackey Award. In Baltimore, he played alongside Mark Andrews, who eventually became the team's primary tight end. Hurst was later traded to the Falcons.

In 2020, Hurst had a standout season with the Falcons, recording 571 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He also played for the Bengals in 2022 and the Panthers in 2023.

BNN's Perspective:

Hayden Hurst's career is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. His journey from baseball to football, and his ability to carve out a successful NFL career, is a compelling story. While his career may not have reached the highest echelons of the sport, his impact and resilience are noteworthy. His story serves as a reminder that success can be found through hard work and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

Keywords: Hayden Hurst, NFL, retirement, Baltimore Ravens, tight end, draft, football, baseball, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, John Harbaugh, Mark Andrews, free agency

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