The last two weeks in the NFL have been a whirlwind. Players have signed contracts with new teams, while others have been traded. The Detroit Lions have taken a conservative, cost-effective approach, adding two edge rushers in Payton Turner and D.J. Wonnum.
While the Lions seek to bolster their roster for the 2026 season, a former receiver decided to hang up his cleats and retire from the NFL. On March 20, receiver D.J. Chark posted on his Instagram account that he's stepping away from the league for good.
Former Lions WR D.J. Chark Has Retired from NFL
In his post, Chark wrote, "After much contemplation, I have decided to share a proper farewell as I navigate retirement.... I am grateful for all my teammates, fans, and every organization I have had the privilege to play for."
And although Chark's run with the Lions was only one season, back in 2022, he was a big-play threat for that offense. Despite missing six games with a grade 2 ankle sprain, Chark made his presence felt when he touched the field. Over 11 games, the LSU product ranked third on the team in receiving yards (502) with 30 catches and three touchdowns.
He gave the Lions offense a field stretcher, as he averaged 16.7 yards per reception. That was badly needed, as Jameson Williams only played in six games while rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered during the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 10, 2022.
Meanwhile, Tom Kennedy was another downfield threat, but he only played in seven games, reeling in eight catches for 141 yards (17.6 yards per reception). Chark was their best option to take the top off the defense and proved to be an effective pass catcher in his lone season with the Lions.
After his stint with the Lions, Chark spent time with the Carolina Panthers (2023) and Los Angeles Chargers (2024) before sitting out last season. Towards the tail end of his career, Chark didn't make much waves, with his best days in the NFL coming with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Lions.
While he enters this next stage of his life, Lions fans wish him the best. He gave them an explosive deep threat and helped Detroit make a shift under Dan Campbell. During that 2022 campaign, the Lions went 9-8 and were a stepping stone in their turnaround.
With a duo of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Williams leading the charge now, Chark played well in 2022 when rocking the Honolulu Blue.