Former UW Huskies O-lineman announces retirement from NFL

Kaleb McGary, a 6-year NFL veteran, is stepping away from football after missing the 2025 season with a leg injury.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an American football offensive line broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange, conveying the complex challenge of rebuilding the line after a key player's retirement.The retirement of veteran offensive lineman Kaleb McGary leaves a hole in the Atlanta Falcons' protection scheme as they transition to a new era with left-handed quarterbacks.Fife Today

Kaleb McGary, a former standout offensive lineman for the University of Washington Huskies, has announced his retirement from the NFL after a 6-year career with the Atlanta Falcons. McGary, who was the 31st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, missed the entire 2025 season due to a lower left leg injury.

Why it matters

McGary's retirement is a significant loss for the Falcons, as he was regarded as an elite run blocker and had been a key part of the team's offensive line. His departure leaves a hole at the right tackle position that the Falcons will need to address through the draft or free agency as they look to protect their left-handed quarterback tandem of Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.

The details

McGary, who attended Fife High School in Washington, was carted off the practice field on August 20th last season with the leg injury that ultimately ended his 2025 campaign. He had been expected to protect the blind side of left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but with Penix's status for the start of the 2026 season uncertain as he recovers from a torn ACL, the Falcons will need to find a new solution at right tackle.

  • McGary was injured on August 20, 2025 and placed on injured reserve.
  • McGary announced his retirement on April 8, 2026.

The players

Kaleb McGary

A former offensive lineman for the University of Washington Huskies who was drafted 31st overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2019. He played 6 seasons in the NFL, starting 92 games, before retiring after missing the 2025 season with a leg injury.

Matt Ryan

The former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, who is now the team's president of football operations.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons' left-handed quarterback who is recovering from a torn ACL and whose status for the start of the 2026 season is uncertain.

Tua Tagovailoa

A newcomer quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons who will be in the spotlight as the team's left-handed quarterback with Penix's injury.

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb. He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”

— Matt Ryan, President of Football Operations, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The Falcons will need to address the right tackle position through the NFL draft or free agency as they look to protect their left-handed quarterback tandem of Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa.

The takeaway

Kaleb McGary's retirement is a significant loss for the Atlanta Falcons, as he was a key part of their offensive line and an elite run blocker. His departure leaves a hole at right tackle that the team will need to fill as they look to build protection for their left-handed quarterbacks moving forward.