The Kansas City Chiefs are two days away from the start of training camp. With their 90-man roster all but set, fans know what players they should be keeping an eye on. Still, cuts can be made during camp, and new players can be added.
That said, one former Chief has surprisingly announced his retirement. On Friday night, former Chiefs receiver/return specialist Richie James announced his retirement on X (formerly known as Twitter).
James said, "It took time, but I have come to realize I am retired from the NFL. 7th round out of MTSU. I feel like I was just a ball player to last that long. Unfortunately, my knee never healed properly. I was playing hurt since 22. Oh well. I gave everything I got to the game of Football."
Former Chief Richie James Retires From the NFL
It took time but i have come to realize i am Retired from the NFL. 7th round out of MTSU. I feel like i was just a ball player to last that long. Unfortunately my knee never healed properly. I was playing hurt since 22’. Oh well. I gave everything I got to the game of Football.
— Richie James (@Senseispunk) July 19, 2025
James, 29, spent the 2024 season without a job. However, prior to that, he spent his final season in Kansas City. With the Chiefs, James's major contributions came as a returner. In 2023, the veteran playmaker returned 20 punts for 200 yards and nine kickoffs for 187 yards. His best return with the Chiefs was a 20-yard punt return against the Buffalo Bills in a 20-17 loss.
As a receiver, he caught 10 passes of 14 targets for 114 yards. Though that's not a ton of production, he ended up being one of Patrick Mahomes' more reliable targets in 2023, catching 71% of his passes.
Even so, James's failing to land on a team in 2024 was pretty telling about how the NFL felt about him. While it's difficult to see players basically be forced to retire because no team wants them, it's the sad reality of the NFL.
Nevertheless, Chiefs Kingdom wishes James the best in all his future endeavors. And who knows, he may return to the NFL one day as a coach if he desires to.