3 NFL Rookies From The 2026 Draft Shockingly Retire Before Ever Playing A Snap

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Three NFL rookies have opted for retirement ahead of the 2026 campaign after going undrafted.

The Miami Dolphins signed running back Le’Veon Moss to a deal after the draft, but it doesn’t appear that he will go on to leave his mark on the league the way another Le’Veon (and another Moss) did. 

Moss, a former Texas A&M player, will not pursue a career in the NFL. The team placed him on the reserve/retired list during this past weekend. 

“The Miami Dolphins placed undrafted rookie RB Le’Veon Moss, formerly of Texas A&M, on the reserve/retired list. This happens just weeks after his signing as a UDFA,” beat reporter David Furones shared.

“In fact, Le’Veon Moss officially signed on Friday, May 8, for the Dolphins’ first day of rookie minicamp. Four days later, he’s retired,” Furones added.

Two More NFL Rookies Call It Quits In The Space Of A Week

Prior to that announcement, Chicago Bears rookie Squirrel White also chose to walk away before the start of a potential NFL career.

A wide receiver for Tennessee and Florida State, White recorded over 1,900 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in college. He unfortunately sustained an injury over a week ago and has since called it quits.

“I was walking into the Walter Payton Center Saturday as he was exiting the practice field with a trainer. This was during stretch. He did not return for practice,” ESPN’s Courtney Cronin revealed on May 9.

Since then, a third rookie has retired.

Alax Bullock, another wide receiver, joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent. 

The former South Dakota State wideout is also calling it quits on his professional career before getting it off the ground. 

While the 2026 NFL Draft and the period that followed marked the start of a new chapter for hundreds of players, the story won’t be the same for everyone.