March 9, 2026, 9:54 p.m. ET
A former Carolina Panthers pass catcher is closing the book on his playing career.
Tight end Hayden Hurst announced his retirement from the NFL in an Instagram post on Monday. The 32-year-old will hang up his cleats after amassing seven pro seasons.
A University of South Carolina Gamecock from 2015 to 2017, Hurst was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 25th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. He’d split his first five campaigns between the Ravens, the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals before signing with the Panthers ahead of the 2023 season.
Hurst started in eight of his nine games for Carolina, totaling 18 receptions for 182 yards and a touchdown. His year would be cut short after he sustained a concussion in the team’s Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears.
He last played in 2024, as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers.
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