Los Angeles Chargers officially release former Pro Bowl center, retirement looms

Travis Wakeman

Los Angeles Chargers officially release former Pro Bowl center, retirement looms image

It is a sad day for fans of the Los Angeles Chargers, but it is also a day that has been all but inevitable for months. On Wednesday, the team officially released center Corey Linsley, setting the stage for him to retire from the league. 

Following the season, Linsley stated that he was certain he was going to retire after a heart issue was discovered and doctors advised against him continuing his playing career. That is what will likely happen now. 

Linsley, a fifth-round pick out of Ohio State in 2014, spent seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers before signing with the Chargers in 2021. That season he made the Pro Bowl and was a Second-team All-Pro. He started 132 games in his career. 

 

Corey Linsley to retire after being released by Chargers

His loss leaves a hole in the lineup but one the team has prepared for. The team signed Bradley Bozeman this offseason. The offensive line looks like a major strength for this team but the center position will be the big question mark. 

Chargers president of football operations John Spanos had some kind words for his former player:

 

Linsley waiting until after June 1 to officially announce his retirement allowed the Chargers to earn $1.2 million back against the salary cap. 

He was a team captain and one of the best centers in the league during his playing career. Linsley wasn't able to go out on his terms, but he has much to be proud of for what he accomplished. 

Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman Photo

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.