Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, who turned 26 on January 18, 2025, has announced his retirement from professional football, citing health concerns. Ferguson, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Wisconsin, has been a key contributor to the Cowboys’ offense over the past three seasons.

In his rookie season, Ferguson appeared in 16 games, starting eight, and recorded 19 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He followed that with a breakout sophomore campaign in 2023, playing in 17 games with 16 starts, amassing 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns. In the 2024 season, Ferguson continued to be a reliable target, with 59 receptions for 494 yards over 14 games, though he did not find the end zone.

Throughout his career, Ferguson totaled 149 receptions for 1,429 yards and seven touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 244 pounds, he was known for his dependable hands and solid blocking abilities, making him a versatile asset in both the passing and running games.

Ferguson’s decision to retire comes after a series of injuries, including a concussion in December 2024, which sidelined him and raised concerns about his long-term health.

In a statement, Ferguson expressed gratitude to the Cowboys organization, his teammates, and fans, stating that stepping away was a difficult but necessary choice to prioritize his well-being.

The Cowboys will now look to their depth chart to fill the void left by Ferguson’s departure. Rookie tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford has shown promise in limited action and may see an increased role moving forward.

Ferguson’s retirement marks the end of a brief but impactful NFL career, and he leaves the game with respect from peers and fans alike for his contributions on and off the field.