Did Mike Williams Retire?

Mike Williams
NFL • Also known as: Michael K. Williams
When did Mike Williams retire?
Why did Mike Williams retire?
Biography
Mike Williams was selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Clemson, where he won a national championship in 2016.
Standing at 6'4" and weighing 218 pounds, Williams used his size to become a reliable deep threat and red zone target. His career with the Chargers was marked by flashes of brilliance but also hampered by injuries.
After spending six seasons with the Chargers, Williams was traded to the New York Jets in March 2024. However, his time with the Jets was short-lived due to injuries, and he was subsequently traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers later that year.
Williams announced his retirement from the NFL in July 2025 at the age of 30, citing recurring injuries as the primary reason.
Retirement
Williams retired after eight seasons in the NFL, with his career cut short by multiple injuries, including a torn ACL in 2022 that significantly impacted his performance in subsequent seasons.
Career Earnings
Throughout his NFL career, Williams earned approximately $84.18 million in salary, with his largest contract being a three-year, $60 million extension signed with the Chargers in 2022.
Teams/Organizations
- Los Angeles Chargers (2017–2023)
- New York Jets (2024)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
- Los Angeles Chargers (2025)*
Achievements
- Career-best 1,146 receiving yards (2021)
- Career-best 76 receptions (2021)
- Career-best 10 touchdowns (2018)
- NFL record: 32-yard game-winning touchdown in first game after being traded to Steelers (2024)
- Career receiving yards: over 5,000 yards
Retirement Status
Retired in July 2025 due to multiple injuries and ongoing health issues



