The former first-round draft pick had been a starter since entering the league in 2019 but missed the 2025 season after sustaining a knee injury late in training camp.
Will McFadden
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary officially retired from the NFL on Wednesday.
McGary was selected with the 31st pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after the Falcons traded back up into the first round to acquire him. Together with guard Chris Lindstrom, who was also selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, McGary solidified the right side of Atlanta's offensive line and helped forge some of the league's best rushing attacks. The Falcons boasted top-10 rushing offenses each year from 2022-25, fueled in part by McGary's prowess as an open-field and edge-setting blocker.
"I was fortunate that Kaleb was able to come in with me in 2019," Lindstrom said in 2023 after McGary signed a three-year contract to remain in Atlanta. "After I got signed and I knew I was going to be here for a while, and -- Kaleb is my partner. You have your friend and your teammate, and you want him to be on the field with him."
McGary played in 93 games with 92 starts for the Falcons across six seasons. He was slated to enter his seventh season as a starter in 2025 butsuffered a knee injuryon the final day of training camp and missed the full year.
"I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb," Atlanta Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan said. "He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement."
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