Desmond King Retires After Eight-Year NFL Career Marked by Versatility and Grit
Desmond King is hanging up his cleats. The veteran cornerback announced his retirement from the NFL on X, closing the book on an eight-year career that saw him contribute in multiple roles across several teams - most notably with the Chargers and Texans.
While King’s time in Pittsburgh was short-lived - just three games in 2023 - his NFL journey was anything but forgettable. After being released by the Texans during final roster cuts that year, the Steelers brought him in hoping to add experience and flexibility to their secondary.
But the fit never quite materialized. King struggled to carve out a role in Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme and was released in mid-October.
A familiar door opened shortly after, and King returned to Houston in November.
Back with the Texans, King got back to doing what he does best: making plays. He started five games down the stretch, including two playoff contests, showing he still had plenty left in the tank. But despite that late-season surge, Houston opted not to re-sign him in the offseason.
King wasn’t done yet. On November 19, 2024, he joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad and managed to get on the field for two games, recording three combined tackles. It was a quiet end to a career defined more by consistency and toughness than flash.
The Chargers drafted King in the fifth round in 2017, and he made an immediate impact. As a rookie, he played in all 16 games, and by his second season, he had carved out a regular role in the starting rotation. That versatility - able to play inside in the slot, contribute on special teams, and defend the run - became his calling card.
Midway through the 2020 season, the Chargers traded King to the Titans. Then in 2021, he signed a one-year deal with Houston, where he became a fixture in the Texans’ secondary. He earned a starting role at slot corner and proved to be a reliable presence on a team that desperately needed stability on defense.
In 2022, King put together one of his most productive seasons. He logged over 900 defensive snaps - plus another 100 on special teams - and finished fourth on the team with 89 tackles.
He added two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, showcasing his knack for being around the ball. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed an 89.2 passer rating when targeted that year - a solid mark for a slot defender.
King wasn’t a household name, but he was the kind of player coaches love: dependable, physical, and willing to do the dirty work. Whether it was locking down the slot, chasing down screens, or covering punts, King brought a competitive edge every time he stepped on the field.
At just 5-foot-10, King didn’t have prototypical size, but he played with the kind of chip that made up for it. His ability to read plays, tackle in space, and contribute across all three phases made him a valuable piece wherever he landed.
Now, as he steps away from the game, King leaves behind a career built on resilience and adaptability. From rookie standout with the Chargers to playoff starter with the Texans, he found ways to stay relevant in a league that doesn’t make it easy for fifth-round picks to stick around.
“Officially Retired! BOLT UP ⚡️,” King wrote in his announcement - a nod to where it all started.
Eight seasons. Four teams.
One steady presence in the slot. Desmond King may not have made headlines every week, but he made his presence felt - and that’s a career worth celebrating.