“Football is just a game”: Justin Herbert heartbroken as retirement ends career of WR who embarrassed Aaron Rodgers

Los Angeles Chargers fans got unexpected news right before training camp. One of their premier wide receivers made an unexpected choice that caught a number of people off guard, quarterback Justin Herbert included.

This player made a splash in the headlines with a strong showing against Aaron Rodgers, but now this player has apparently decided to step away from the game altogether. The Los Angeles Chargers were gearing up for a new season, and this sudden news changes everything. Now, fans and players are reacting to the news, and Justin Herbert has shared a very emotional message for his longtime teammate.

Mike Williams retires from NFL after joining Los Angeles Chargers again in March

On Thursday, Jul 18, 2025, wide receiver Mike Williams announced his retirement from the NFL.

This announcement comes just four months after he signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, and the 30-year-old was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list just earlier this week at training camp.

Mike Williams (6'4") spent his first seven years working under the team name, San Diego Chargers. He became famous for his size, big-play ability, and contested catches, led the league in yards per catch (2019), and in fact, he is best known for a quiet but unmistakable moment when he was playing the former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

His return in 2025 was expected to boost the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense, but health concerns led to this early exit from football.

Justin Herbert calls Mike Williams’ retirement ‘heartbreaking’

Justin Herbert, 27, shared his feelings in a press conference held at the Los Angeles Chargers’ facility in Los Angeles on July 18. “It’s obviously tough,” Justin Herbert said. “Mike’s been there for us from day one. I’ve got so much respect for him as a teammate, a friend, and a man.”

He added, “It’s heartbreaking. But we’ve got his back, and we want what’s best for him. Football is just a game—there’s more to life.”Justin Herbert and Mike Williams played together for four seasons from 2020 to 2023. The quarterback praised Mike Williams for always showing up in big moments. “He made plays when they mattered most. We can’t replace a guy like that.”

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