Tommy Doyle, the 26-year-old offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, has announced his retirement from the NFL, citing persistent health problems that have prevented him from playing competitively.

After suffering several serious injuries throughout his brief professional career, Doyle, a Miami University (Ohio) product selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, made the decision.

Injury-Plagued Career

Injuries plagued Doyle’s time with the Bills. He missed the rest of the 2022 season due to a torn ACL in his right knee, which occurred in Week 3. In the 2023 preseason, Doyle, who was adamant about making a comeback, suffered another setback when he tore the ACL in his left knee while playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He hasn’t played in a regular-season game since the 2022 season due to these back-to-back injuries.

Decision to Retire

The severity and recurrence of his injuries led Doyle to conclude that continuing his professional football career was no longer feasible. In a statement released by the Bills, he expressed his realization:

At this point, with the calendar and the healing process, it looks as though it’s permanent. I’m just unable to play football at a high level, and it’s time. When you know, you know.

Doyle also reflected on his journey and the emotional challenges he faced:

I was really battling and competing and working to come back from that [ACL] injury, only to be kind of struck with an even more disastrous injury. But at the end of the day, there was a lot of negative emotions and anger… doing a lot of reflecting lately and looking back on it, I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons from it. 

Career Highlights

Doyle had some remarkable on-field events despite his short career. Notably, he registered as an eligible receiver in the 2021 AFC Wild Card game against the New England Patriots and helped the Bills win 47–17 by catching a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen. 

Looking Ahead

Doyle’s playing career is over, but his experiences and tenacity might help him in the future, whether in or out of football. As he begins the next phase of his life, the Buffalo Bills organization and supporters have expressed their appreciation and best wishes.

The physical toll of professional sports and the difficulties athletes have in preserving their health and careers are highlighted by Doyle’s early retirement.