Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams has retired from the NFL, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Williams was with the Los Angeles Chargers before calling it a career. The Chargers placed Williams on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Tuesday.
Williams’ agent Tory Dandy informed the Chargers on Wednesday night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL. Williams walks away from the game at age 30.
Williams finishes his career with 330 catches for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns.
“Honored to have been a very small part of this man’s journey. True Pro and great human!!! Blessed to know him!” Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni wrote on X.
Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams’ agent Tory Dandy informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL. Williams walks away from the game at age 30. pic.twitter.com/f97JzkcYHj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025
Williams had a tumultuous season last year with both the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Things just never went according to plan with both franchises after spending his first seven seasons with the Chargers.
Williams, 30, joined the Steelers mid-season in 2024, when he came over from the Jets in a trade deadline deal.
The Steelers sent a fifth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for Williams. He was not heavily used in his time with the Steelers. Over nine games, he was targeted 13 times and made nine catches for 132 yards and one touchdown — a game-winner against the Washington Commanders.
“Last year was terrible for me. I’m just being honest. It was terrible. Probably the worst year I’ve had in the league by far,” Williams said during his introductory press conference with the Chargers. “So I’m just putting it in the past, that was the past, and I’m trying to make it feel like it didn’t happen for me.”
Williams added that he never wanted to leave L.A. in the first place.
“Never wanted to leave on my side, but it’s the business part of football and things happen,” Williams said Friday. “Now I’m back, and happy to be back.”
Ultimately, Williams decided to move on with his life’s work.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers WR Abruptly Retires
