Markus Golden Retires After Nine NFL Seasons

Markus Golden, a veteran linebacker who played nine seasons in the NFL, announced his retirement at age 33 after a career that included notable stints with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Golden, a second-round draft pick in 2015, recorded 51 career sacks, with a peak performance of 12.5 sacks in 2016 for the Cardinals. He expressed gratitude for his journey in an emotional social media post, thanking family, friends, and teams that supported him throughout his career. Golden concluded his final season with the Steelers, after which he was placed on the reserved/retired list. His departure from the league was marked by tributes from former teammates, including J.J. Watt, who praised him as a beloved teammate. Golden's overall career statistics include 343 tackles and a reputation as a solid veteran presence on the field.