Following Bengals’ Loss in the Super Bowl LVI, Safety Ricardo Allen Announces Retirement After Seven Seasons

Bengals defensive back, Ricardo Allen has announced his retirement from the NFL. He made the announcement over his Instagram account late Sunday night. After seven seasons in the league, the former Purdue Boilermaker has decided to walk into the sunset.

The news came a week after the Cincinnati Bengals lost the Super Bowl game. In the 91 career games he played, Allen combined 354 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 26 passes defended. Allen, who joined the Bengals this season, announces his retirement in an Instagram post.

In addition to a picture of himself in Bengals’ uniform, Allen posted a message about his retirement. He wrote, “I’ve always wondered how it would feel giving up what most people would consider to be ‘most of me’, and that’s being a professional athlete. But, the truth is, I’m blessed to be able to say that it’s been good.”

He added that two Super Bowl wins could have made his journey more rewarding. Nevertheless, he had no complaint as it didn’t happen. Following this, he stated that he was humbled and deeply grateful to the game of football. Additionally, he was blessed to leave the game with a team that has a “true burning love for the game.”

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Afterward, Allen thanked his teammates and expressed appreciation for the time spent with them on the field. Furthermore, he noted that he will use the experience he has gained to help and guide the next generation of players. Finally, he thanked the two teams he played for, the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals.

A brief look at Allen’s NFL career

Allen played six seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons selected him in the 5th round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Purdue. His tenure with the Falcons lasted until 2021, after which he was released and signed with the Bengals. He made it to the Super Bowl in 2016 with the Flacons, though his team lost to the massive Patriots. Moreover, in 2019, the Falcons nominated Allen for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his off-field deeds and community work.

In 2021, Allen signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals and played in his second Super Bowl against the LA Rams. Following the Bengals’ loss in the Super Bowl, Allen announced his retirement after seven seasons in the league. Therefore, after a career filled with many notable accomplishments, the defensive back has decided to retire from the game and contribute to this game in a different capacity.

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