Ryan Kerrigan Announces NFL Retirement; Had 95.5 Sacks in 10 Seasons with Commanders

The Washington Commanders announced Friday defensive end Ryan Kerrigan is set to sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the franchise.

Kerrigan spent the first 10 years of his career in Washington after being selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. He recorded 457 total tackles, 95.5 sacks, 26 forced fumbles, 25 passes defended and three interceptions across 172 appearances.

He played one season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 to finish his career.

Kerrigan, 33, emerged as a top prospect while recording 32.5 sacks in 36 games across his final three seasons at Purdue. He earned the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award and unanimous All-American honors as a senior in 2010.

The Indiana native made an instant impact in the NFL, recording 7.5 sacks during his rookie season, and never finished with less than 5.5 sacks across his decade with the team. He took down the opposing quarterback a career-high 13.5 times in 2014.

In 2020, he passed Dexter Manley (91.5) to set the franchise record for most sacks.

Kerrigan, a four-time Pro Bowler, also took on the role of mentor during the latter stages of his Commanders career, something defensive tackle Daron Payne appreciated.

"Everything he does is the right way to do things, and you can learn so much from him if you just sit back and watch him," Payne said in the announcement. "I appreciate him, I love him to death and I'm just happy that I got a chance to play with him."

Kerrigan played a limited role for the Eagles during his final season, tallying just three tackles in 16 games.

While his career numbers and accolades will likely fall short of enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his consistent, long-term impact on Washington's defense deserves an eventual place on the team's Ring of Fame.