DT Gerald McCoy Retires

After 11 seasons and 12 years in the NFL, Gerald McCoy is stepping away from the game. An announcement from the defensive tackle on Friday confirms that he is retiring (video link).

The 35-year-old played with three franchises but will of course be best remembered for his nine-year stint as a Buccaneer. It was in Tampa Bay that he began his career, facing substantial expectations as a third overall pick. He made an immediate impact as a rookie with three sacks, and soon built off that production to become one the league’s most disruptive interior linemen.

McCoy earned a Pro Bowl nod for the first time in his career in 2012. That was the beginning of a six-year streak in which he was named an all star; during that time, he also earned one first-team and two second-team All-Pro honors given his consistent production as a pass rusher. McCoy’s best season came in 2013 when he notched 9.5 sacks and 50 tackles, but he posted no fewer than five sacks in a season through 2019.

That was the year McCoy made the move to Carolina, where he stayed for one season. His continued strong level of play earned him a three-year deal with the Cowboys, but the Oklahoma product suffered a quadriceps tear which cost him the entire 2020 season. Dallas released him before he suited up for them, leading McCoy to his final destination in Vegas. That one-year tenure included another major injury and a PED suspension, marking a forgettable ending to an otherwise decorated career.

McCoy’s 54.5 sacks with the Buccaneers rank fourth in franchise history, while his career total of 59.5 place him 25th amongst active players. He amassed just over $126MM in total earnings, meaning his career was a fruitful one in several regards. Rather than attempting one final comeback in a rotational role, he will turn his attention to the next chapter of his life.