Mohamed Sanu retires from NFL to launch podcasting and coaching career

Mohamed Sanu, a 10-year NFL wide receiver, announced Friday that his playing days are over and that he will shift to podcasting and coaching. The 36-year-old veteran has represented the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions during his NFL career, with his last association as a practice squad member for the Miami Dolphins in 2022.

During his NFL career, Sanu posted 435 receptions for 4,871 yards and 29 touchdowns. He played in Super Bowl LI with the Falcons, where the team surrendered a 28-3 lead to the New England Patriots, losing 34-28 in overtime. Sanu has long attributed part of the collapse to Lady Gaga's halftime show. In 2012 with the Bengals, he threw a 73-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green as an emergency quarterback. The Falcons signed him in 2016 and he appeared in SB LI with two receptions for 25 yards. He was traded to the Patriots in 2019 and later played for the Lions and 49ers, with his final NFL years including a stint on the Miami Dolphins practice squad in 2022.

On social media, Sanu said retirement marks the start of a new chapter and that he intends to focus on coaching and a new podcast called Facts Over Stats, where he plans to break down football and share stories from his career. He described the move as a transition that will allow him to give back to the next generation and to the broader football community.

Capping a career that included 435 receptions, 4,871 yards and 29 total touchdowns, Sanu leaves the field with a record of versatility and resilience. He noted that his post-playing plans will center on helping younger players develop their skills and understanding of the game, while offering fans a player-perspective through his podcast and coaching work.