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Long-time Redskins DB DeAngelo Hall officially retires from NFL

By Jacob Camenker

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 19: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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DeAngelo Hall was widely expected to retire from the NFL. The long-time Washington Redskins defensive back made it official on Monday.

When DeAngelo Hall came to the Washington Redskins in 2008, some considered him to be a mostly lost cause. After signing a big contract with the Oakland Raiders, Hall was consistently burned during his first season in Oakland. The team was so discouraged by his performance that they let him go after just eight games. Coming to Washington, the 25-year-old and two time Pro Bowler was at a crossroads.

However, after coming to Washington, Hall really began to up his game again. He finished the 2008 season strong and eventually became the No. 1 corner in Washington. In 2010, he made the Pro Bowl again and started every game for the four seasons after that. He was the one constant in what was otherwise a weak Redskins secondary.

In 2014, Hall’s play started to decline through no fault of his own. He simply couldn’t stay healthy. During his age 31 season, Hall was limited to just three games and that started a string of injury-plagued campaigns. From 2014-2017, Hall only played in 22-of-64 games. He was constantly hurt, had to move to safety, and by the end of his time in Washington, his cover skills had eroded. Still, the veteran provided good leadership for the team and did everything asked of him in his nine years with the club.

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Per ESPN’s John Keim, Hall has officially decided to hang up the cleats after 14 years in the NFL. Here’s what Keim said on Twitter.

It simply makes sense for Hall to retire. He was going to turn 35 during the season, and he simply wasn’t anything more than a fourth or fifth safety at the very best. The Redskins couldn’t really afford to bring him back, given the young talent that they have at the position as of right now.

Hall will be a natural fit in either the front office of an NFL team or on TV. In an ideal scenario, he could come and find a role with the Redskins in their newly structured front office. Considering his excellent leadership ability, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the Redskins to try to bring him back in some capacity.

Hall’s career was a roller coaster early on. But once he came to Washington, he found what he was supposed to be. He finishes his career with 171 games played, 160 starts, 811 total tackles, and 43 interceptions.

Next: 5 veteran options for the Redskins to consider at guard

Hats off to Hall for all that he’s achieved. We’ll certainly be rooting for him moving forward in whatever he does next.

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