Hayden Hurst, a former first-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens, is hanging up his cleats. Hurst, a key figure in the Ravens' recent lineage of tight ends, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 32.
Drafted 25th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft from South Carolina, Hurst began his professional journey with the Ravens. Over his first two seasons, he made a solid impact, hauling in 43 passes for 512 yards and three touchdowns.
Hurst found his stride with the Atlanta Falcons, where he enjoyed his best season in 2020. That year, he caught 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a reliable target. The following season, he added another 26 catches for 221 yards and three touchdowns.
After his stint with the Falcons, Hurst spent a year with the Cincinnati Bengals, contributing 52 catches for 414 yards and two touchdowns. He then joined the Carolina Panthers in 2023, where he recorded 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown.
In 2024, Hurst had a brief run with the Los Angeles Chargers, adding eight catches for 73 yards. However, he did not play during the 2025 season.
Throughout his NFL career, Hurst played in 88 games, amassing 203 catches for 1,975 yards and 15 touchdowns. As he steps away from the game, Hurst looks forward to embarking on the next chapter of his life.