Ex-Bears and Browns star suddenly retires at 27 and immediately announces new job with NFL team

Demetric Felton announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.

The veteran running back was a six round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2021 NFL Draft, and had stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders.

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Demetric Felton Jr. announces retirement decision

“This is not the end of my football life,” Felton wrote on Instagram, announcing his decision.

“This is my evolution. I’m not retiring because I’m hurt. I’m not retiring because I don’t love this game. I’m retiring because I know there’s a football player out there who needs me.”

Felton made a name for himself in college at UCLA under Chip Kelly.

He became a versatile weapon for the Bruins.

In 2019, he set a UCLA record for running backs with 55 catches. A season later, during the shortened 2020 season, Felton had 668 rushing yards in just six games.

In four seasons with UCLA, Felton rushed for 1,101 career yards and seven touchdowns on 233 carries while adding 99 receptions for 958 receiving yards and eight more scores.

He was drafted by Cleveland and appeared in 24 games for the Browns, rushing eight times for 20 yards. He also caught 20 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns.

The Browns released him in August 2023 and he landed with the Bengals practice squad soon after.

A year later Felton became an unrestricted free agent. He had a brief stint with the Bears before being waived and claimed by the Colts.

In 2024, he eventually wound up back on the Bears’ practice squad for a second time, before being released and catching on with the Commanders.

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He was among Washington’s final cuts in 2025.

Felton returning to Cleveland to work for the Browns

However, it’s not the end of his NFL journey just yet.

Felton also announced he’s starting a player development role with the Browns.

“I’m retiring from professional football to take a role in Player Development with the Cleveland Browns,” he posted on Instagram.

Felton isn’t the only player to announce his retirement in recent days.

Last week, former Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jaren Hall announced his retirement.

Hall, who entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick in 2023 following an accomplished college career with BYU, noted that his ‘heart is full’ as he closes the football chapter of his life.

Elsewhere, a Bears rookie faster than Tyreek Hill also abruptly retired, as did 23-year-old Dolphins rookie Le’Veon Moss.

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