Top running-back makes shock retirement announcement aged just 27 as fans fear more NFL exits amid pay dispute
Emma Powell
Published Aug 20, 2026
RUNNING back Justin Jackson has made the stunning decision to retire at age 27, which has caused fans to wonder if more NFL players will leave the sport.
The Detroit Lions announced the 27-year-old playmaker's retirement on Thursday.
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In corresponding moves, the Lions signed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Benny Snell.
Jackson appeared in 16 games for the Lions in 2022.
He posted 170 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown as well as 12 receptions for 102 yards and one score.
The five-year NFL veteran Jackson was competing to be the No. 3 running back for Detroit and was in line to be the team's starting kick returner.
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The Northwestern product's retirement comes as the NFL has dealt with pay disputes coming from star running backs.
It reached the point that multiple NFL Pro Bowl running backs took part in a Zoom last month to discuss the declining market for players at their position.
After news broke that Jackson retired from the game of football, fans on social media have feared that more running back exits are coming.
One said: "Running back szn continues."
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Another wrote: "Justin Jackson retiring seems sudden and unexpected, wonder if there’s more to that story."
And a third added: "Shocked by this, curious to find out what the reason was."
Jackson was drafted in the seventh round by the Chargers in 2018.
He spent four years in Los Angeles and recorded just over 1,500 scrimmage yards as a backup, mainly behind star back Austin Ekeler.
The 27-year-old Jackson is the second notable running back to suddenly retire as former Super Bowl champion Sony Michel abruptly retired last month.
