Veteran offensive lineman Charles Leno Jr., who started and played in 47 games for the Washington Commanders from 2021 through 2023, officially announced his retirement from the National Football League on Tuesday, October 15, 2025.
In a heartfelt message shared to social media, Leno reflected on his 10-year career, his accomplishments on and off the field, and the personal tragedy that ultimately led him to step away from the game.
Leno revealed that the true turning point came two years earlier, on October 14, 2023, when he and his wife, Jennifer, suffered the unimaginable loss of their infant daughter, Paitynn. “That day changed everything for me,” Leno wrote. “It changed the way I see life, the way I carry myself, and most of all, it changed what matters most to me.”
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft (No. 246 overall) by the Chicago Bears, Leno went on to become one of the league’s most durable and dependable left tackles. After seven seasons in Chicago, he joined Washington, where he anchored the offensive line and quickly became a team leader and fan favorite for his final three seasons in the league.
Throughout his career, Leno was recognized for both his consistency on the field and his community impact off it. He was a four-time NFLPA Community MVP, a two-time Alan Page Community Award runner-up, and a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. “Football gave me the platform to grow, to lead, to overcome,” he said. “I’m proud of my journey… it has been quite the ride.”
In his message, Leno expressed deep gratitude to his teammates, coaches, agent, and fans. He also thanked God for guiding him through his career and healing process. But his most emotional words were for his family, his wife and their daughters, Carsynn, Oaklynn, and Jordynn, as well as a moving tribute to Paitynn. “This moment is for you. Daddy loves you forever,” he wrote. “Football was a chapter. A big one,” Leno concluded. “But my story continues as I get to step into the most important role of my life as a full-time husband, father, and, proudly, a girl dad… That’s my purpose now. That’s my legacy.”
