23-year-old Dolphins rookie quits NFL in sudden retirement decision costing Miami six-figure sum

May 13, 2026 - 10:30

Miami Dolphins rookie Le’Veon Moss has quit the team and retired just weeks after signing.

The running back arrived as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M and was thought to have potential as a playmaker.

Le'Veon Moss (8) scores a touchdown — Moss has not explained his sudden exit

His time with the Aggies was blighted by injury, but the 23-year-old is quick off the mark and was in contention to push for a role on a team that desperately needs talent.

Instead, Moss called time on his NFL career Tuesday with no reason given for his departure.

On3 cited reports that suggested Miami had guaranteed the former college star $258,000, which will be dead money for the franchise.

Moss racked up 1,767 yards and 22 touchdowns on 321 carries, as well as adding 236 yards on 24 catches.

He missed 14 of 39 games over his last three seasons with hamstring knee and ankle injuries.

Originally considered a potential Day 3 pick in April’s NFL Draft, an apparent injury suffered in a CFP loss to Miami may have led to him falling off boards.

The Dolphins have already moved on from Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, as well as replacing head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier.

Jeff Hafley has taken over from McDaniel and will lead the team into a rebuild with Jon-Eric Sullivan in the front office.

De’Von Achane has taken over the backfield and was a lone high point in an otherwise lacklustre offense.

Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II are also in the room, but Miami will likely need to find other options to reduce their preseason workload.

The Dolphins will have to eat his signing fee

Squirrel White suddenly quit the Chicago Bears a day before Moss retired

Quarterback Malik Willis is the man tasked with sparking a recovery after signing a three-year, $67.5 million contract.

He has apparently got off to a good start.

“I just feel he’s always the first one in the building, the last one to leave,” quarterbacks coach Bush Hamdan revealed. “I think certainly already in the community, he’s normally the one pushing to do the right thing.”

Offensive coordinator Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik added: “Really talented individual. Can spin the ball over the field, can throw the ball everywhere, can run, obviously can use his legs, he’s tough.

“But honestly, what I’ve enjoyed the most so far is getting to know him. The person is really fun to be around, really energetic. He infuses everybody with a lot of energy.”

Sudden retirements shock NFL

Moss is not the only youngster to walk away from his NFL dream before training camp.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Squirrel White retired from the league after just 16 days.

According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, he exited the practice field during stretches at rookie minicamp on Saturday.

It was announced Monday that he had been placed on the team’s reserve/retired list, which means the team retains his rights should he make a comeback.

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