NFL Star Drew Dalman Retires at 27, Walks Away from $42 Million Contract

The Chicago Bears center is leaving the league after just five seasons, citing undisclosed reasons.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 4:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Drew Dalman, a 27-year-old center for the Chicago Bears, has announced his retirement from the NFL after just five seasons. Dalman was in the middle of a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears, but is walking away from the remaining $24 million on the deal. The Stanford product was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career last season, and was credited with helping improve the Bears' offensive line and reduce sacks on quarterback Caleb Williams.

Why it matters

Dalman's sudden retirement at such a young age and the prime of his career is highly unusual in the NFL, where players typically try to maximize their earning potential for as long as possible. His decision raises questions about his reasons for leaving the game, as well as the long-term health and financial implications for players who retire early.

The details

Dalman was in the first year of a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He was credited with helping improve the Bears' offensive line and reducing sacks on quarterback Caleb Williams from 68 in the 2024-25 season to just 24 in 2025-26. Dalman started all 17 regular-season games for the Bears last year, plus two playoff games, and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

  • Dalman was drafted 114th overall by the Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears in 2025.
  • Dalman announced his retirement from the NFL on March 4, 2026.

The players

Drew Dalman

A 27-year-old center who played five seasons in the NFL, the last one with the Chicago Bears.

Caleb Williams

The 24-year-old quarterback of the Chicago Bears, who saw his sack total reduced from 68 to 24 in Dalman's first season with the team.

Chris Dalman

Drew Dalman's father, who also played in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and attended Stanford University.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'4eva! Appreciate you!' Williams, 24, wrote in his Instagram Stories. 'And gonna miss ya big guy!! Enjoy retirement.'”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback

What’s next

The Bears may require Dalman to pay back a portion of his signing bonus, estimated at around $4 million, due to his early retirement.

The takeaway

Dalman's sudden retirement at age 27, walking away from a lucrative $42 million contract, is highly unusual in the NFL and raises questions about the long-term health and financial implications for players who choose to retire early from the game.