Bears Pro Bowl Center Drew Dalman Retires at 27

Dalman follows in his father's footsteps, citing health concerns after just 5 NFL seasons

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Chicago Bears Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman has announced his retirement at the age of 27, with two years remaining on his lucrative contract. Dalman's decision comes as a shock to the NFL, as he was considered one of the top centers in the league. However, Dalman's choice to prioritize his long-term health mirrors the decision his father, former NFL player Chris Dalman, made 26 years ago when he retired at the age of 29 due to a neck injury.

Why it matters

Dalman's retirement at the peak of his career highlights the growing concerns among NFL players about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His decision follows that of other high-profile players, such as Luke Kuechly and Andrew Luck, who have also retired early to protect their health.

The details

Dalman, a Stanford graduate who studied mechanical engineering, informed the Bears on Tuesday that he will retire after just five NFL seasons. In 2025, his first year of a three-year, $42 million contract, Dalman played every snap for the Bears. However, the mounting evidence of the link between repeated head injuries and CTE, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has led Dalman to prioritize his long-term health over continuing his NFL career.

  • Dalman informed the Bears of his retirement on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Dalman's father, Chris Dalman, retired from the NFL in 2000 at the age of 29 after suffering a neck injury during training camp.

The players

Drew Dalman

A 27-year-old Pro Bowl center for the Chicago Bears who has decided to retire after just five NFL seasons, citing health concerns.

Chris Dalman

Drew Dalman's father, who played offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers from 1993-1999 and retired at the age of 29 after suffering a neck injury.

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' quarterback, who praised Drew Dalman's exceptional brain and leadership as the center of the team's offense.

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What they’re saying

“He's the brains behind all of it.”

— Caleb Williams (Social media)

“When I first got hurt and I couldn't move, laying on the field for about 30 seconds, I knew it was probably over. Still, it's strange to think that this part of your life is over.”

— Chris Dalman, Former NFL player

What’s next

The Bears will need to find a new starting center to replace Drew Dalman, with the $10 million in salary cap space freed up by his retirement available to spend on a free agent replacement.

The takeaway

Drew Dalman's retirement at the peak of his career highlights the growing concerns among NFL players about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma. His decision to prioritize his health over continued play mirrors that of other high-profile players, signaling a potential shift in the league as more athletes choose to walk away from the game to protect their futures.