Former NFL running back Matt Breida has opted to retire from the league ahead of the 2025 regular season, effectively ending his seven-year career with notable achievements. Breida, who turned 30 earlier this year, made the decision to step away from the NFL just weeks before the season opener. His career spanned multiple teams including the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills, where he played a total of 34 games. Breida’s decision to retire reflects a growing trend among young athletes who are choosing to exit the league earlier than expected, possibly due to the physical toll of the position.
It is not uncommon for NFL running backs to face a shorter shelf life due to the physical demands of the sport. Breida’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including his career-high 814 rushing yards in 2018 while with the 49ers. He has also accumulated 19 rushing touchdowns throughout his career. His path in the NFL started with the 49ers, where he earned the starting position in 2018. He later joined the Giants, where he appeared in 34 games, before moving on to the Dolphins and Bills. Breida went undrafted in 2017, but managed to carve out a successful career with multiple teams.
As the NFL prepares for the 2025 season, the spotlight is on the Dallas Cowboys’ upcoming game against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, set for September 4. Breida’s retirement highlights the challenges that even established players face when navigating their careers in the NFL. This trend of early retirements underscores the complexities and physical demands of the sport, prompting further discussions among athletes, coaches, and fans about the long-term implications of these decisions.