Former Redskin Hall swears he is now retired
RICHMOND, VA. — With his right hand raised, DeAngelo Hall finally put the issue to rest.
He officially has come to terms with his playing career ending after 15 National Football League seasons, and now, on this particular day — before the start of Washington Redskins practice — the longtime defensive back was ready to announce that he is hanging up his cleats for good.
“I, DeAngelo Hall, do solemnly swear that I am officially retired,” he said smiling at the camera, before grabbing his iPhone to check today’s date. “As of
Aug. 1, 2018.”
The 34-year-old had voiced frustration over his limited playing time last season and vowed that he had not closed the door on continuing his career elsewhere, although he also expressed post-career interests in either coaching or becoming an NFL front office executive.
Hall appeared in five games during the 2017 season for the Redskins, making only two starts.
But, as his former teammates are inching closer to Week 1 of the ’18 season, Hall insists he’s “great” and at peace with his decision.
“Yeah, yeah, I feel good,” Hall said Wednesday morning before heading out to join his former teammates on the field. “I mean, didn’t like the way last year ended. Obviously, I would have liked to have been prepared to play and things like that. But things happen for a reason. My goal last year was to not have a surgery; to be a great teammate, the best teammate I could be; a good leader and not have a surgery, and I accomplished that. So it just felt right.
“I tell people all the time, as a leader in the last couple years, I was always trying to groom the next crop of guys to take my spot, and when I finally felt like they were ready, or it showed they were ready, it was time for me to go.”
Hall spoke glowingly about fourth-year cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who signed a three-year extension earlier this off-season.
“He’s amazing. Amazing,” he said of Dunbar, who is aiming to solidify his position as the starting cornerback opposite veteran Josh Norman.