The Oakland Raiders announced the addition of G Justin Smiley just a few days ago but now they're coming out with another announcement on Smiley -- he's retiring. The former Dolphins and Jaguars offensive lineman broke the news to head coach Hue Jackson over the weekend and the Raiders put him on the reserve/retired list.
Justin Smiley Decides To Retire After Joining Oakland Raiders
Justin Smiley joined the Raiders last week but has now decided that he would rather retire, ending his career at 29 years old.
When asked about it, Jackson explained that Smiley came to him just a few days after Oakland picked him up.
”Well, Justin Smiley has made a decision to retire. He has. And, what a man. He came in to see me today and said ‘coach I just, this is just not for me right now’ and I respect that. The great thing about this place is, I told you, this is hard work. Everybody can’t do this. If your mind and body is not ready to do this on a daily basis, it’s tough. And he said ‘coach thanks for the opportunity but my heart’s just not in it anymore, football, so nothing against you or the Raiders but I just can’t do this anymore.’ And I respect that”
it's fitting that he ends his career with a short stint in the Bay Area considering that's where it started. Smiley was a second round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2004 NFL draft where he stayed for four years. He moved onto the Miami Dolphins in free agency before being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
So that’s it for Smiley who enters retirement at 29 years old.
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