NFL world reacts to Falcons OT Kaleb McGary's retirement

[ASFN Admin]

The Atlanta Falcons were left without their starting right tackle after veteran Kaleb McGary announced he was retiring on Wednesday. The team found his replacement rather quickly, signing Jawaan Taylor within 24 hours to likely take over at right tackle for McGary in 2026.

McGary was originally selected by the Falcons as the No. 31 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after playing out his college career at Washington. He saw action in 93 games (92 starts) over seven seasons at his position. The final season of his career was uneventful as he spent all of 2025 on the reserve/injured list.

“I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,” Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan said. “He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”

Those around the NFL were surprised to see another offensive lineman suddenly retire. Here's how fans reacted to McGary's retirement on social media.

NFL reacts to Kaleb McGary's surprise retirement​

Congrats to Kaleb McGary on his retirement and an amazing career. pic.twitter.com/Nb9M3Fmlw0

— Collin Roberts (@collinbroberts) April 8, 2026

Offensive linemen retire and half the fanbase googles their name. That's not an insult ... that's the most thankless position in football and McGary did it for years without complaint.

— omosegbon T Samson (@OmosegbonSamson) April 8, 2026

Respect to Kaleb McGary. Quietly did the dirty work and held it down in the trenches. Wishing him nothing but success in the next chapter

— Aqeel(inDesignThemes) (@a786r) April 8, 2026

Caleb second guessing his career and didnt want to block for two of the most injury prone qbs in the league. pic.twitter.com/L8rljdOMoy

— Colston Lor (@ChangLor5) April 8, 2026

With 2 left-handed QBs, the Right Tackle position will be important to get right.

— Matt Pomeroy (@MattPomPom) April 8, 2026

Kaleb McGary retired. Thank you for your services mauler!

— rodstradomus (@RodShotDfAht) April 9, 2026

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons OT Kaleb McGary retires: NFL social media reacts

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