BB.FORMER COWBOYS PLAYER RETIRE AT 29 DUE TO EARLY CTE: Dallas farewell leaves Cowboys fans in tears – “I will always be a Cowboy!”
At just 29 years old, a former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman has announced his sudden retirement from football after receiving an early CTE-related diagnosis, a heartbreaking revelation that immediately sent waves of sympathy through the Cowboys community.
The veteran lineman shared the emotional message on his personal social media, reflecting on a journey he described as “the greatest blessing of my life,” while admitting that health concerns forced him to make the painful decision much earlier than expected. His post detailed a mix of gratitude, fear, acceptance, and love, a letter that hit deeply for players and fans who have watched the growing crisis around head injuries in football.
He thanked everyone who supported him across his career: teammates, coaches, trainers, opponents, and friends. He highlighted that the game made him “a better version of myself every time I stepped on that field,” and that stepping away was the hardest, yet safest, choice for his future. His words resonated with many, especially within the Cowboys fanbase that remembers his time in blue and silver.
Breiden Fehoko, the defensive tackle who spent time with the Cowboys on the practice squad earlier in his career before continuing his NFL journey elsewhere. Although his time in Dallas was brief, fans instantly flooded social media with messages of support and heartfelt goodbyes.
Fehoko wrote that he is “not a fan of long goodbyes,” but wanted to say one final thing to the football world: that he is ready to start his next chapter in life with his family, even if the transition comes with emotional weight. He admitted he would miss the “team dinners, bus rides, training camps, and everything in between,” but would not miss the physical toll the game took on his body.
Not the news you guys are waiting on. Anyway I love y’all. Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/Vqt4yvzqbc— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) November 21, 2025
As news of his early CTE concerns spread, many Cowboys fans revisited his journey and posted tributes, wishing him safety, peace, and strength. For a player who fought his way through practice squads, active rosters, and multiple organizations, his farewell message was a reminder of how fragile life beyond football can be.
Fehoko’s retirement at 29 adds yet another emotional moment to an NFL season already filled with difficult stories, and his closing words, a quiet “I love y’all”, landed heavily among those who followed his path from undrafted drive to NFL grinder.
His story leaves a lasting message across the league: sometimes the bravest play a player can make is choosing to walk away.
Eagles CB Jaire Alexander Announces Retirement at 28 After Just One Game with the Team
The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander will be stepping away from football indefinitely to prioritize his mental and physical well-being.
The 31-year-old joined the Eagles just before the trade deadline after being acquired from the Baltimore Ravens. Despite high hopes of stabilizing the secondary, Alexander has decided to take time off after discussions with the coaching staff and medical team.
According to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, Alexander informed the team that the decision was personal and necessary:
“In this league, we talk a lot about toughness — playing through pain, ignoring fatigue, staying silent. But sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is admit that you need to heal,” Glazer said.
Alexander later shared his own message through the team’s press release, saying:
“I’ve been fighting battles that don’t show up on tape. I need this time to take care of my mind and my body so I can come back stronger — not just as a player, but as a person.”
We have activated CB Jakorian Bennett from reserve and placed CB Jaire Alexander on the Reserve/Retired List. pic.twitter.com/AuMWETi1Yb— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 12, 2025
While fans expressed disappointment, support poured in across the NFL. Players and coaches alike applauded Alexander’s courage to speak openly about mental health — a subject often overlooked in professional sports.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni also voiced his full backing for Alexander’s decision, saying that the organization’s priority is always the person before the player.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will now make necessary adjustments to fill the gap, but the team’s defense remains strong. With
Adoree’ Jackson, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean leading the secondary, the Eagles held the Packers to just 157 passing yards in their 10–7 win at Lambeau Field.
Despite the setback, Alexander’s choice has sparked meaningful conversation around player wellness in Philadelphia — a reminder that behind every helmet is a human being fighting his own battles.
