NFL Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. Retires After Nine Seasons

0:00On April 2nd, NFL veteran linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. just hung up his cleats after nine solid seasons in the league. Drafted in the fifth round by the Indianapolis Colts back in 2017, he suited up for the Colts, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins. With a stint on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad, over his career, he racked up 581 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and 21 passes defended. His standout year came in 2019 with the Colts, where he led with 124 tackles, including 84 solo stops, plus 2.5 sacks and an interception. That season showed his peak as a reliable left side enforcer, handling the grind of Pro Ball. Coming out of Northwestern, Walker earned respect for battling through the physical toll of linebacker life, constant hits to the head and body over. Nearly a decade, fans and insiders like Jordan Schultz on X gave props to his toughness, especially since nine years of that position, is no small feat.

1:04Last year in 2024, he closed strong with the Dolphins, notching 68 tackles, 34 solo, one sack, and one pick-in. His final games, he tried sticking around on the Buccaneers practice squad, but didn't see regular action. Walker broke the news on Instagram, marking the end of a gritty run that left its mark on the league proof you can exit on your terms after giving it all.