Former Steelers Wide Receiver Robert Woods Retires at 33

Woods signs one-day contract to retire with the Los Angeles Rams

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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After 13 seasons in the NFL, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Robert Woods has announced his retirement from professional football. Woods, who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Rams, signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Rams organization.

Why it matters

Woods' retirement marks the latest in a string of high-profile departures from the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the team continues to see key players from recent seasons move on. His decision to retire at the relatively young age of 33 also highlights the physical toll of an NFL career and the difficult choices players must make about when to step away from the game.

The details

Woods, a 13-year NFL veteran, spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans before signing with the Steelers in 2025. However, he failed to make the Steelers' 53-man roster that season and was granted his release in September. In his retirement announcement, Woods reflected on his passion for the game and expressed gratitude to the various teams he played for over the course of his career.

  • Woods signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Los Angeles Rams on February 18, 2026.
  • Woods announced his retirement from the NFL on February 18, 2026.

The players

Robert Woods

A 13-year NFL veteran wide receiver who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Rams, also playing for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The NFL team that Woods briefly played for in 2025 before being released in September of that year.

Los Angeles Rams

The NFL team that Woods signed a one-day contract with in order to retire as a member of the organization.

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What they’re saying

“After 27 unforgettable years of pouring my heart into this game, and 13 incredible years in the NFL — it's time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything. Football has never just been a game to me — it has been my passion, my purpose, and my lifelong dream.”

— Robert Woods (X)

The takeaway

Woods' retirement at 33 years old highlights the physical toll of an NFL career and the difficult decisions players must make about when to step away from the game. His decision to retire as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent the majority of his career, underscores the importance of loyalty and the lasting impact a team can have on a player's life.