The UFL has seen two notable retirements announced in the past several days, and a third player has also announced his intention to cease his playing career. After seeing long time spring football standout Chris Odom, and current (now former) NFL veteran LaBryan Ray (former Philadelphia Star) both opt for retirement, Nate McCrary took to social media to announce his retirement as well.
McCrary joined the Michigan Panthers for the 2024 season, prior to the XFL-USFL merger, after coming out of Division-II Saginaw Valley State in 2021. McCrary would spend parts of three seasons on and off NFL rosters with the Ravens, Broncos, Panthers, Packers and Browns. In 2024, McCrary would be limited to just four games however did earn an NFL contract with the Green Bay Packers only to be waived with an injury settlement prior to the regular season.
In 2025, McCrary returned to the Panthers assisting the team in earning a championship berth. McCrary totaled over 500 all-purpose yards including a dominating touchdown in the UFL championship game. In 2026 after the UFL announced their intention of having a reallocation draft, McCrary would be drafted by the Houston Gamblers only to be released on March 6th. McCrary went unsigned for the 2026 UFL season, and took to social media for his announcement.
The recent "run" of retirements isn't strange for those who have been following spring football. On average almost 40 to 50 players take to either social media or the waiver wire as a way of letting the world know that they have completed their careers. So far since the conclusion of training camp in 2026 20 players with spring football ties have announced their retirements so far.