Brandon Scherff confirms retirement from NFL following Iowa Hall of Fame honor

Brandon Scherff, a veteran NFL guard, quietly retired this summer. The 33-year-old made the news when the University of Iowa said he was retiring as they inducted him into their Athletics Hall of Fame.

Brandon Scherff started his ten NFL seasons with the Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Redskins, and concluded with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He never signed a new deal after his contract ended in March. “It’s been something I could never dream of,” he said. “Being able to do it as a job is pretty amazing.”

Brandon Scherff Retired in Summer After Ten Seasons

Brandon Scherff told the story during his Iowa Hall of Fame induction in the summer of 2025 in Iowa City, Iowa. The University’s website said he “retired from playing this summer”.Born in Denison, Iowa, Scherff played college football for the Hawkeyes at the University of Iowa. In 2015, he joined the NFL after the Washington Commanders picked him fifth overall.

Over seven years with Washington, he earned five Pro Bowl honors (2016, 2017, 2019–2021) and first-team All-Pro in 2020. In 2022, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $49.5 million deal and started every game for three seasons.

Across both teams, he played 140 regular-season games and four playoff games.

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Brandon Scherff reflects on NFL career as a dream come true

Brandon Scherff’s own words make this story warm and human. “Sometimes I would tell my wife that she has to pinch me, because I’m playing a kid’s game, and being able to do it as a job is pretty amazing,” he said. When asked about seeing his children after games, he added, “Having kids and being able to see them after games is absolutely wonderful. So I would say it’s a dream come true. And I will be forever grateful to have had that chance.”He became a free agent in March 2025 but never signed with any team. No fanfare followed; he simply decided to end his career on his own terms.