Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman announced his retirement from the NFL at 27.
The news stunned teammates and fans given his recent Pro Bowl selection and strong play in 2025.
Dalman started all 17 games in 2025 and helped stabilize Chicago’s offensive line in pass protection and run blocking.
He earned his first Pro Bowl nod after that season.
Bears C Drew Dalman expected to retire. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/Rq1ziwMuSI
— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2026
The retirement is especially surprising because he had just signed a three-year contract reportedly worth $42 million with the Bears.
The deal was expected to make him the long-term anchor in the middle of Chicago’s line.
Dalman entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft out of Stanford and began his career with the Atlanta Falcons.
Bears center Drew Dalman played 100% of the offensive snaps, making him the only player who didn’t miss a single snap.
What a signing this offseason. pic.twitter.com/Ty5DRtDtWZ
— Dave (@davebfr) January 5, 2026
Across five NFL seasons he appeared in 61 games and made 44 starts between Atlanta and Chicago.
His most productive stretches included seasons where he started every game and helped power top rushing attacks in Atlanta.
At Stanford he started 22 of 25 games and earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior while serving as a team captain.
He did not allow a single pressure during his final collegiate season.
Dalman has not publicly detailed every reason for stepping away from the game.
Early retirements often reflect concerns about the physical toll of football and a desire to preserve long-term health.
The Bears face the difficult task of replacing a Pro Bowl-caliber center as they prepare for the upcoming season.
