Former $13.7 Million Packers Player Retires at 30, Expresses Desire to Return to Packers for One-Day Contract Before Retiring

March 12, 2026, Green Bay, WI

In a heartfelt decision, Yosh Nijman, the former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 30. Known for his perseverance and remarkable journey from undrafted player to starter in the league, Nijman has decided it’s time to step away from the game and focus on the next chapter of his life.

Nijman, originally from Maplewood, New Jersey, played his college football at Virginia Tech before being signed by the Packers in 2020. Despite going undrafted, he proved himself to the Packers, earning a spot on their roster and eventually becoming a starting offensive tackle. Over the course of his career, Nijman played 99 NFL games, with 29 starts, including 22 starts for the Packers.

After spending four seasons with Green Bay, including 13 starts in 2022 and one more in 2023, Nijman played two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he appeared in 32 games and started seven. His career has been a testament to hard work and resilience, especially as an undrafted lineman who made his mark on two NFL teams.

NFL Player News: Former Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Yosh Nijman has announced that he has retired from the National Football League after six seasons in an announcement via his Instagram account. Nijman went undrafted by the Packers in 2019 and would… https://t.co/ierjgBtCfF pic.twitter.com/6L8iUk7hQu

— Justin David Kish • Sports Journalist (@JustinDavidKish) March 12, 2026

Though his journey in the NFL has come to a close, Nijman expressed his desire to return to Green Bay for one last gesture before officially retiring. "When I was passed over in the draft, all the teams turned me down. It was Green Bay that gave me the opportunity to play in the NFL. Now, it would mean everything to me to return to the team that gave me my chance and retire as a member of the Packers," Nijman shared in a statement.

Nijman’s request to return to Green Bay for a one-day contract reflects the bond he has with the franchise. The Packers, who gave him the opportunity to play in the NFL, have always been close to his heart, and the thought of finishing his career with the team that first believed in him resonates deeply with the 30-year-old.

With Nijman’s retirement, the Packers and their fans will undoubtedly reflect on his contributions, both on and off the field. His career may not have been filled with Pro Bowls or Super Bowl victories, but for an undrafted player to make it to the NFL, become a starter, and leave his mark with two teams is an impressive achievement.

As the Packers continue to build for the future, the prospect of bringing Nijman back for one final, symbolic contract is a fitting end to the story of a player who defied the odds and made a lasting impact on the field. The Packers’ front office has yet to comment on whether they will grant Nijman’s wish, but with his deep ties to the team and his dedication throughout his career, there’s no doubt he will be remembered fondly in Green Bay.