BREAKING: Ex-Bills OL Announces Retirement, Hints at Playoff Return to Buffalo
Former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Jon Feliciano has decided to retire — at least for the time being. The 33-year-old shared the news on social media after missing the entire 2024 season due to injury. Feliciano, who spent three of his nine NFL seasons with the Bills, suggested in his retirement message that he might consider a comeback if the right opportunity arises.
Jon Feliciano Open to Playoff Comeback
Jon Feliciano announced his retirement from the NFL on X on February 20, sharing that the decision had been a long time coming. He explained that after months of reflection, he realized it was time to step away from the game. While he still has the passion for football, he acknowledged that he couldn’t endure a full season and didn’t want to let anyone down.
Though he felt unable to handle a full 17-game season, Feliciano hinted that he might be open to a brief return, specifically mentioning the Buffalo Bills and his most recent team, the San Francisco 49ers, as possible destinations. He expressed that being on a team but not being able to contribute was difficult, but if the need arose, he’d be ready for a playoff push in December with either team.
Feliciano was part of the 49ers’ successful 2023 season, which took them to the Super Bowl. However, a knee injury required season-ending surgery during training camp, marking a tough year for him. He reflected on how the injury led to missing the entire season but thanked his teammates for their support.
Drafted in the fourth round by the Oakland Raiders in 2015, Feliciano spent four seasons there before joining the Bills in 2019. He started 34 games over three seasons with Buffalo but struggled with injuries that kept him sidelined for significant stretches in 2020 and 2021. In his retirement message, he reminisced fondly about his time with the Bills, calling Buffalo a place he’d always consider home and expressing gratitude for the love and support from the city.
Bills Have Strong Returning Offensive Line
The Buffalo Bills boasted a strong offensive line in 2024, successfully protecting quarterback Josh Allen and paving the way for running back James Cook to achieve a second consecutive 1,000-yard season. The offensive line will remain mostly unchanged for 2024, with only one player, versatile interior lineman Will Clapp, set to hit free agency.
Clapp spent parts of the 2024 season on the practice squad, playing in just one regular-season game and two playoff games.
The Bills have a history of bringing back former players, including those who have come out of retirement. For example, they re-signed wide receiver Cole Beasley for the final stretch of the 2022 season after he had retired earlier in the year. The team has also re-signed defensive lineman Jordan Phillips for three separate stints.