Former Notre Dame and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Ade Ogundeji retires from the NFL at 26, saying he has "zero regrets" and is ready for what’s next
(Image: Getty)
Former Notre Dame linebacker Ade Ogundeji has stunned the football world with his retirement announcement at just 26, bringing a promising NFL career to an early close.
Ogundeji, who spent four seasons split between the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers, made the decision public via Instagram on Sunday. It comes as Notre Dame secured the commitment of former legendary NFL receiver Larry Fitzgerald's son, Devin Fitzgerald. Ogundeji’s football journey began modestly. He spent his true freshman season at Notre Dame on the scout team and saw limited action as a sophomore.
It wasn’t until his junior year that he truly emerged, becoming a key defensive playmaker. Over a four-year college career, Ogundeji recorded 80 tackles, 13 sacks, and forced six fumbles, including three in 2019. He never crossed paths with Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, who was recently named among the top 10 head coaches in college football.
Drafted in the fifth round (182nd overall) by the Falcons in 2021, Ogundeji made an immediate impact. He played in all 16 games as a rookie and impressively made 11 starts.
The following season, he secured a full-time starting role, appearing in and starting 16 games. But 2023 marked a turning point. A training-camp injury sidelined him for the year, and he was subsequently released by Atlanta in May 2024.
In August 2024, the Steelers added Ogundeji to their practice squad, and he later earned a promotion to the active roster in October.
However, his stint was brief: he was released in December after participating in only three games, contributing on defense and special teams.
On July 20, Ogundeji penned a heartfelt message on Instagram to close this chapter. “I was truly scared whenever I realized my time was done,” he wrote.
“I thought I lost myself and was truly in a dark place. But God and only God made me realize that this is just the beginning and that there is more out there for me."
"I was never perfect on or off the field even though I tried my hardest to be … I put everything I had in the sport and had absolutely zero regrets.” He continued by thanking his coaches, teammates, and family for their support throughout his journey.
Ogundeji’s decision reflects a growing movement among young players prioritizing well-being over the demands of pro sports. At 26, he joins a list of recent early retirements, emphasizing that life’s next pursuit can start before the typical career’s end.
His collegiate success at Notre Dame was notable — not just for statistics but for his ability to elevate his play when it mattered.
A valuable piece of both the 2018 and 2020 College Football Playoff teams, he garnered attention for his defensive playmaking and field awareness.
Ogundeji’s NFL stats — 75 total tackles and three sacks across 33 games — may not tell the full story of his impact. Drafted for potential and grit, he secured a starting role in just his second pro season, a feat few achieve in today’s NFL landscape.