Bills offensive lineman Tommy Doyle announced on Friday that he has decided to medically retire from the NFL.
Doyle’s four-year career was unfortunately marred by injuries, with his latest left leg injury resulting in nerve damage.
“Given the timeline and the recovery process, it seems like it’s permanent,” Doyle shared about the leg injury. “I’m just not able to play football at a high level anymore, and it’s time to step away. When you know, you know.”
The severe leg injury occurred during Buffalo’s second preseason game against the Steelers on August 19, 2023. He also suffered a major ACL tear in his right leg at the start of the 2022 season (Week 3).
“I worked hard to come back from the ACL injury, only to be hit with an even worse injury,” Doyle said. “It led to a lot of negative emotions and frustration, but after reflecting recently, I realize I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way.”
One of the lessons Doyle said he learned is that his identity extends beyond the football field. The four-year player also shared it was a long process to arrive at the decision to retire.
“Football is something that I’ve loved and put my life into,” Doyle said. “And I put a lot of time, effort and energy to try to get back on the field. But ultimately, that’s really not the plan God has for me, and I know that to be true. I feel that this is the time to announce it and move on.”
The offensive lineman saw his most action during his rookie season when he played in 11 games. Doyle was originally drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Many fans will remember Doyle for his playoff touchdown during his rookie season. The OL caught a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen during the fourth quarter against the Patriots in the Wild Card round. Buffalo beat New England 47-17 with a score on every possession.
“Football is something that I’ve loved and put my life into,” Doyle said. “And I put a lot of time, effort and energy to try to get back on the field. But ultimately, that’s really not the plan God has for me, and I know that to be true. I feel that this is the time to announce it and move on.”
The offensive lineman saw his most action during his rookie season when he played in 11 games. Doyle was originally drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Many fans will remember Doyle for his playoff touchdown during his rookie season. The OL caught a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen during the fourth quarter against the Patriots in the Wild Card round. Buffalo beat New England 47-17 with a score on every possession.
