Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, a six-time Pro Bowler, has officially announced to hang up his boots, putting an end to his illustrious career in the NFL.
McCoy was drafted by the Bucs as the third-overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and racked up 54.5 sacks, 140 QB hits, and 297 tackles throughout his nine seasons with the team, adding six consecutive Pro Bowls stretching from 2012 to 2017 that tied with Mike Alstott and Lee Roy Selmon for the third most Pro Bowl selections in the team’s history. Tampa Bay released the dominant lineman from the team in 2019.
Veteran DT Gerald McCoy officially announced his retirement decision
The Bucs DT legend decided to hang up his cleats after illustrious 12 years of grit and sweat as he announced the decision with a ” Thank You” tweet on Friday
THANK YOU!!! pic.twitter.com/NxE9K4TfJK
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) April 14, 2023
The Bucs team congratulated their legendary player following the retirement decision, dubbing him “A Buccaneer legend”.
A Buccaneer great. 🐐
Congrats on your retirement, @Geraldini93! pic.twitter.com/MT0jfcxC3J
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 14, 2023
After being released by the Bucs, the defensive tackle joined the Carolina Panthers and recorded five sacks and 37 tackles in 16 games with them. McCoy later joined the Dallas Cowboys on a three-year deal, however, this phase too didn’t get longer as he suffered a ruptured quadricep and was released by the franchise through an injury waiver clause.
The 35-year-old tried to bounce back by signing with the Raiders in the 2021 season, however, he again had to face a season-ending knee injury and did not appear in any game in the NFL in 2022.
Besides being great in the field, McCoy proved himself great in the community as well by hosting the “McCoy Family Christmas” event at the team facility to stretch his hand to needy people as a holiday surprise.
McCoy’s retirement marks the end of an era for the NFL, as one of the most dominant defensive tackles of his generation officially steps away from the game. His impact on the field and in the locker room will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.
As the defensive tackle begins the next chapter of his life beyond football, fans and fellow players alike will surely miss watching him dominate on the field.
What is the most incredible performance of McCoy according to you? You can share it with us in the comments.
