J.C. Tretter made the surprising move of retiring last month. The 31-year-old had been a quality full-time starter for five seasons with the Browns, but, as he confirmed not long after announcing his decision, he faced a notable lack of free agent options. 
Tretter was released by Cleveland in March, leaving him on the open market throughout the summer. Over that span, he told Sports Illustrated’s Alex Prewitt, the Cornell alum put together a shortlist of clubs he would prefer to sign with, including the Panthers, Cowboys and Vikings. In all, his representatives contracted seven teams inquiring about a potential deal.
“Minnesota never returned our call,” Tretter said, however, adding that none of his potential landing spots showed significant interest in signing him. That lack of a market was noted throughout the summer, when injuries such as the one suffered by Ryan Jensen did little (if anything) to increase his chances of joining a third career team. That led to speculation that Tretter’s status as NFLPA president was a contributing factor to his circumstances.
Indeed, the former fourth-rounder added, “I always said, ‘My NFLPA job is gonna end my career well before my knees end my career.'” Tretter’s role in the union was reported to be a source of tension between himself and the Browns which explained, in part, their decision not only to release him but to not seek a reunion after projected replacement Nick Harris suffered a season-ending knee injury.
With respect to contract demands, Tretter described his desired salary as “not at a vet minimum” but also “well below the value [that] I bring.” He averaged over $10.8MM on the contract that the Browns terminated, but would, based on those comments, have accepted a significantly lower rate to continue his playing days.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the end of his on-field football career, Tretter reiterated that he will not look to un-retire at any point in the 2022 season if interest in him were to heat up. Instead, he will turn his attention elsewhere, including his remaining time as NFLPA president.
“I’ve gotten to the point where I’m going to retire,” he said. “I know what I’ve accomplished in my career and I’m at peace with that.”
JC, Kyle Shanahan line 1
Likely not gonna happen for the reasons outlined in the article.
Pretty absurd that the Browns wanted to cut bait with him as soon as they could when they could have had Okung as president and a strike on their hands if their guy wasn’t elected. Is that what you want Jimmy?
Seems curious that the 49ers haven’t tried to hire him since they badly need an experienced center. Guess they didn’t want to spend the money on a smart, proven player at a position of need. ???
he’s being boycotted by the league .
at least 10 teams could use him rn
Yup pretty sad how a bunch of guys are so threatened by a hardworking smart man that fights for his belief. But they will sign a huge contract to a guy that makes woman give him a hand job
Are you thinking the push for Solider Field to get better field conditions was embarrassing enough? I mean he did make it a big deal but what else could there be?
It’s unfortunate but it’s also the nature of the beast for mostly all people in most professions. People act like this is unique to the NFL. I’m a homebuilder and thought of running for alderman a few years back. I decided not to partly because it would have certainly cost me some clientele.
It’s not fair but it’s real…
I’ve been union my whole life but where I work, our management seems to try to keep the stewards happy at work. A happy steward makes for less grievances. We tease him and ask him who he had to sell out whenever he gets a favor.
The Niners just got their money freed up in the Jimmy G restructure. But it is curious how the Bucs haven’t reached out. They need to go all in this season and have 3 OL injured
He can’t pass a physical because of his knees. Dude just doped himself up on game days so he could tolerate the pain and sat the entire week in practice.
He didn’t take any physicals
@skoldad1 And you know that as fact how? More likely, you’re just spewing BS to fit your beliefs and agenda.
Of course, the lack of opportunities is about the union. &*%# owners and NFL management showing their true colors.
When people don’t stand together and for each other, people fail! It’s a shame many in this country don’t understand that or only when there’s a major disaster.