Last March, the Chicago Bears signed center Drew Dalman to a three‑year, $42 million contract, a move that helped lift the team from last to first in the NFC North. Dalman, a 2021 Stanford graduate, had already earned a Pro Bowl nod after four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
Now, at 27, Dalman has decided to retire, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The decision comes after five seasons in the NFL and a sudden announcement that surprised teammates and fans alike.