Desmond King is calling it a career. The veteran cornerback, who made his mark as one of the league’s more versatile defensive backs over the past several seasons, officially announced his retirement from the NFL this week.
King, a fifth-round pick out of Iowa in the 2017 NFL Draft, will retire as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers - the team where his NFL journey truly began and where he spent the bulk of his career. It’s a fitting end for a player who carved out a reputation in L.A. as a gritty, dependable slot corner with a nose for the football and a knack for making plays in space.
While King’s most productive years came in a Chargers uniform, his NFL path took him through several stops. He logged significant time with the Houston Texans, where he served as their starting slot cornerback across multiple seasons.
From 2021 through 2024, King was a regular contributor in Houston’s secondary - though his tenure there wasn’t without its turbulence. He was released twice by the Texans, including after losing a roster battle to Myles Bryant.
The first time Houston cut ties, the Pittsburgh Steelers jumped at the opportunity and claimed him off waivers. However, King’s time in the Steel City was short-lived.
He appeared in just one snap over five weeks before being released again. It was a brief and unceremonious stint, but one that speaks to the unpredictable nature of NFL careers - even for seasoned veterans.
After his departure from Pittsburgh, King returned to more familiar territory, rejoining the Texans and stepping right back into a prominent role. He reclaimed his spot in the slot and played a key part in Houston’s playoff run, including their home victory over the Cleveland Browns - a game where his experience and poise in coverage were on full display.
King’s final NFL stop came with the Baltimore Ravens last season, though he didn’t find a long-term home there either. With no offers on the table this year, the 29-year-old has decided to hang up his cleats.
Looking back, King’s career is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. He wasn’t the biggest or fastest corner on the field, but he played with intelligence, physicality, and a chip on his shoulder - traits that helped him stick around in a league that doesn’t make it easy. Whether it was in L.A., Houston, or his brief stops elsewhere, King brought value wherever he went, especially in the ever-evolving slot corner role that demands quick reads, tight coverage, and reliable tackling.
Now, as he steps away from the game, Desmond King leaves behind a career defined by grit, versatility, and a steady presence in some of the league’s most demanding defensive schemes. He walks away as a Charger - and as a player who made his mark.