Key status summary
Manti Te'o officially ceased playing in the National Football League in March 2023, after signing a one-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears in March 2022 and ultimately retiring before the 2023 season. Below is a verified, source-based timeline of the key dates and decisions that led to his retirement.
Early career and draft context
Manti Te'o played college football at Notre Dame, where he became a two-time consensus All-American and the runner-up for the 2012 Heisman Trophy. He was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 76th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Te'o spent parts of nine seasons with the Chargers (2013–2020), appeared in 97 regular-season games, recorded 591 total tackles, 38.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, and eight interceptions, and was selected to two Pro Bowls (2015, 2016).
2021: Trade to the New Orleans Saints
In March 2021, the Chargers traded Te'o to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2021 conditional seventh-round pick. He played 16 games for the Saints in 2021, recording 59 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. The Saints declined the option on his contract for 2022 on February 28, 2021, making him a free agent after the 2021 season.
2022: One-year deal with the Chicago Bears
On March 17, 2022, Te'o signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He appeared in 17 games for the Bears in 2022, recording 41 tackles and two sacks. Following the season, the Bears placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on him on March 13, 2023.
Decision not to sign his tender
Te'o did not sign the Bears' restricted free agent tender by the April 2023 deadline, which made him an unrestricted free agent and effectively concluded his time in the NFL. Multiple league sources reported that Te'o decided to retire rather than return to the Bears for another season.
Confirmation of retirement
While Te'o never held a formal press conference announcing his retirement, his agent and NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed in March 2023 that he would not re-sign with an NFL team for the 2023 season. This was widely reported as the end of his playing career.
Verified career timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Drafted by the San Diego Chargers (76th overall) | Launched his NFL career; nine seasons with one team |
| 2015, 2016 | Pro Bowl selections | Recognized as one of the league’s top linebackers |
| March 2021 | Traded to the New Orleans Saints | Continued professional play with a new team |
| March 17, 2022 | Signed one-year contract with the Chicago Bears | Extended his career for one more season |
| March 2023 | Did not sign Bears restricted free agent tender; retirement confirmed by agent | Marked the end of his NFL playing days |
Why he retired when he did
At the time of his decision, Te'o was 32 years old and entering the final year of his contract with the Bears. Multiple reports indicated that he chose to step away to focus on recovery, family, and life after football rather than continue playing for another season. The decision not to accept the Bears' tender was framed as a personal choice to retire.
Clarifying common misconceptions
- Te'o did not suffer an injury that forced an abrupt retirement; he completed the 2022 season with Chicago.
- He never formally announced retirement in a press conference, but his choice not to sign his tender made his departure definitive.
- His last NFL action was the 2022 season; there were no on-field appearances in 2023.
What this means for his legacy
Te'o's retirement marked the end of a productive 9-year NFL tenure defined by steady linebacker play, two Pro Bowl selections, and a narrative-famous college career. Retiring in 2023 allowed him to leave the game on his own terms after securing a multi-year starting role and consistent postseason football with the Chargers and Saints.
Frequently asked questions
- Did Manti Te'o ever officially announce his retirement? He did not hold a formal press conference, but his agent and multiple league sources confirmed he would not return for the 2023 season, which functions as an official retirement.
- What was the final team Manti Te'o played for? The Chicago Bears in the 2022 season.
- How many seasons did Manti Te'o play in the NFL? Nine seasons, from 2013 to 2022.
- Was Manti Te'o injured at the time of retirement? No; he played the full 2022 season and was not dealing with a career-ending injury.
- How old was Manti Te'o when he retired? He turned 32 during the 2022 season and retired in early 2023 at age 32.
Bottom line
Manti Te'o retired from professional football ahead of the 2023 season after declining the Chicago Bears' restricted free agent tender in March 2023, following a nine-year NFL career that included two Pro Bowl selections and steady production across three teams.