Who Is Tommy Doyle? All About The Buffalo Bills Offensive Lineman Who Retired At The Young Age Of 26

Stories of ambition, setbacks, and unexpected endings fill the NFL. Tommy Doyle, a promising offensive lineman with the Buffalo Bills, suffered a premature end to his career. Despite his talent and dedication, circumstances forced him to retire at just 26.

Here’s everything you need to know about the young Bills star and the difficult decision that led to his early retirement.

Early Career And NFL Breakthrough

Tommy Doyle, born on May 6, 1998, was a promising offensive lineman who played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 320 pounds, Doyle was drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after a strong college career at Miami (OH). His pre-draft measurables were impressive, including a 5.11-second 40-yard dash, a 33.5-inch vertical jump, and 24 reps on the bench press.

During his rookie season in 2021, Doyle played in 11 regular-season games and had a memorable moment in the Wild Card round against the New England Patriots. He caught a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen, contributing to the Bills’ dominant 47-17 victory. However, his career was soon derailed by a series of injuries.

What Led To Tommy Doyle’s Early Retirement?

Doyle’s injury troubles began in Week 3 of the 2022 season when he suffered a torn ACL in his right leg, forcing him onto injured reserve. Despite battling to recover, he suffered another devastating injury in the 2023 preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This time, a left leg injury led to severe nerve damage, which ultimately ended his career.

Tommy Doyle has announced his retirement from the NFL. ❤️💙

Help us wish @freestylefalcon all the best in his next chapter: https://t.co/KzBfpkIrcn pic.twitter.com/TENwsxVB2p

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) February 14, 2025

After spending the 2023 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, Doyle announced his retirement via Instagram on February 14, 2025. He acknowledged that his nerve damage was likely permanent and that he could no longer play football at a high level. Despite his early exit from the league, Doyle expressed gratitude for his time with the Bills, acknowledging the relationships he built with teammates, coaches, and fans. He also hinted at remaining involved with the team in some capacity, stating he looked forward to supporting the Bills as a fan.

Also Read: Buffalo Bills Star Shocks Everybody By Announcing His Retirement At Age 26