Bengals Linebacker Logan Wilson Retires After 5 Seasons

Wilson reflects on his key role in Bengals' recent playoff success and his commitment to the Cincinnati community.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:51pm

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Linebacker Logan Wilson has announced his retirement from the NFL after five and a half seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Wilson, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys last season, cited a waning love for the game as the reason for his decision to step away at age 29. Despite his short tenure, Wilson made several of the biggest defensive plays in Bengals history, including a game-sealing interception against the Titans in the 2021 playoffs and a crucial forced fumble against the Ravens in the 2022 Wild Card round.

Why it matters

Wilson was a key part of the Bengals' recent resurgence, helping the team reach back-to-back AFC Championship games. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Bengals' defense, but his impact on the community through initiatives like his annual celebrity softball game will ensure he remains connected to Cincinnati.

The details

Wilson was originally drafted by the Bengals in 2020 out of the University of Wyoming. Over his 83 career games, he recorded 11 interceptions, tying him for the most by a Bengals linebacker in the 2020s. Wilson's biggest plays came in the 2021 and 2022 playoffs, when he made crucial plays to secure wins over the Titans and Ravens. Despite his success on the field, Wilson said the love of the game had started to wane, leading him to retire while he could still walk away on his own terms.

  • Wilson announced his retirement about 100 days before his 30th birthday.
  • Wilson's daughter Kambry was born during his time with the Bengals.

The players

Logan Wilson

A linebacker who spent 5.5 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, making several key defensive plays that helped the team reach the playoffs in recent years. He announced his retirement at age 29.

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, who helped oversee a culture shift during Wilson's time with the team.

Vonn Bell

A Bengals safety who made a game-sealing interception in overtime of the 2021 AFC Championship game.

Germaine Pratt

A Bengals linebacker who made a game-winning interception on the last play of the 2021 AFC Wild Card game.

Sam Hubbard

A Bengals defensive end who returned a fumble 98 yards for a touchdown in the 2022 Wild Card game against the Ravens.

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What they’re saying

“We accomplished quite a lot during my time there, and I'm proud of that. The culture shift with Zac (Taylor) and the other coaches there. I just really enjoyed my time there. It was a perfect fit for who I am as a person coming from a smaller town. It was a blessing to play there for five-and-a-half years.”

— Logan Wilson

“He had everything you would want in a linebacker on and off the field. He could run, diagnose, recover. Didn't come off the field.”

— Mark Duffner, Former Bengals Senior Defensive Assistant

“Look at all the good things he did in the community. I mean, that softball game was fabulous.”

— Mark Duffner, Former Bengals Senior Defensive Assistant

What’s next

Wilson plans to settle in Colorado after retirement, but he expects to continue visiting Cincinnati and remaining involved with the community, including his annual celebrity softball game.

The takeaway

Logan Wilson's retirement marks the end of an era for the Bengals' defense, but his impact on the team and community will ensure he is remembered as a key part of the franchise's recent success. His ability to make game-changing plays at the right moment cemented his place in Bengals history.