Years removed from the end of their playing days, a pair of former Chargers signed one-day contracts today to officially end their careers. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie and defensive lineman Corey Liuget have retired, as confirmed by a team announcement. 
Cromartie spent the first four seasons of his career with the franchise, after he was the Chargers’ top pick in 2006. After a quiet rookie campaign, he took off in his second year, leading the league with 10 interceptions. That led to his recognition as a First-Team All-Pro member, and earned him the first of four Pro Bowl nods. The other three came in consecutive campaigns with the Jets, who ultimately released him in 2016; a brief stint with the Colts marked the end of his NFL playing days.
“Honestly for me, it’s always [been] home,” the 38-year-old said of his first employer. “No matter how we split up, no matter what went on, [the] Chargers have always been home. One, they gave me the opportunity to go after a dream that I had since a little kid. Chargers nation, Bolt nation and everything else will always be home to me. They hold dear to my heart.”
Liuget was likewise a Chargers first-rounder in 2011. His first four years saw him put up quality numbers – especially in terms of pass rush – which earned him a five-year, $58.5MM extension in the 2015 offseason. The time following that deal marked a turning point in his career, including a major knee injury and a 2018 PED suspension. After bouncing around to the Bills and Raiders, Liuget, 32, played his final games with the Texans in 2020.
“Being there for eight years, some of the relationships I made and the people there, they impacted my life,” he said. “That was one of the greatest things that could have ever happened to me, playing for that organization. They changed my life and my family’s life. I’m very thankful for them. Me retiring as a Charger is a true honor.”
Overall, Cromartie amassed a career earnings total of roughly $46.6MM; Liuget’s figure checks in at just under $44MM. Their careers never overlapped with the Chargers, but they are now tied together through today’s joint retirement announcement.
This is likely a dumb question, but what the heck…
When a player signs a one-day contract, do they get paid? If so, I imagine it’s whatever percentage one day is against a season’s minimum salary.
Does it count against the salary cap?
Cro really made his mark on the San Diego gene pool
Had his best years as a Jet. Played more years as a Jet. Appeared in more playoff games as a Charger, but that’s it. 3 of 4 pro bowl selections with Jets. To me, he goes down as a Jet more than a Charger. But if he feels it’s the Chargers then so be it. Can’t take away his feelings.
I think you missed the joke lol
Completely missed it.
If you’re talking to me, I wasn’t responding or referring to any joke. Just his comments and 1 day contract with the chargers.
Oh man, Cromartie was/is one of the most underrated corners of all time. I don’t know how much of his hand could translate to today’s penalty heavy rules, considering how adept he was at press, but Cromartie was a legitimate threat in the secondary, with or without his wingman in Darrelle Revis. Man, that was a terrifying one-two that they had in New York. Cro could beat up your number one, run him off the red line, and then pick you off for being so stupid as to throw it his way. Well, what choice did you have, considering Revis was on the other side? The last great shutdown tandem in the NFL, in my mind. And he could return kicks early in his career. Great, great player.
Liueget is pretty underrated, too. He was one of the best gap-stuffers in the NFL for a long time. It’s not a position with flashy stats, but he and Justin Smith were the premier “no stat” linemen in California for the early 2010s. Unheralded, but great work. I’m a little surprised, though, that it took so long for these two very good players to retire officially. Good careers for both, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching both men play. Hats off, and well done.
Great post! Anyone who knew football knew how great Justin Smith was. Thanks for reminding me about him, it’s been a while since he crossed my mind.
One of favorite players. Aldon Smith owed a lot to Justin’s work in the trenches. Liuget was similarly great inside. Players like that deserve all the praise they get.
Cory Too Legit To Quit quits.
Guess he wasn’t so legit after all. I really enjoyed watching both those dudes play though.
Super talented guys.
Did the Cromartie signing immediately spawn 10 pregnancies is the area? Doesn’t he have about 50 kids?!