Jon Feliciano, the seasoned offensive lineman, announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday, marking the end of a notable career. Feliciano, who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, has been a prominent figure on the field with 113 appearances and 61 starts. Although he steps away from the sport due to a lingering knee injury, he leaves open the possibility of returning for a playoff stint if needed.
Feliciano's journey began with the Oakland Raiders, where he spent the first four seasons honing his skills. His tenure with the Raiders laid a strong foundation for his subsequent three seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Feliciano regards Buffalo as a special place, expressing deep gratitude for the support he and his family received there.
"Buffalo is a unique place I will always call home."
> Jon Feliciano
In 2021, Feliciano joined the San Francisco 49ers and played a crucial role as their starting right guard in the 2023 season. That year culminated with his appearance in the Super Bowl, which he describes as the pinnacle of his career. However, his time in San Francisco was not without challenges. After undergoing knee surgery, Feliciano spent the entire 2024 season on injured reserve, reflecting on the difficulties of being unable to contribute to his team.
"Being on a team and unable to help out your boys is rough."
Jon Feliciano
Despite his retirement, Feliciano remains open to aiding teams in need during playoff runs. He is mindful of his limitations due to his knee condition, acknowledging that while his passion for the game persists, he cannot endure a full season.
"The fire is still there, but I know I can't last a full season and can't bring myself to let people down."
Jon Feliciano
His career also saw him as part of a playoff team with the New York Giants during the 2022 season. The culmination of these experiences has shaped his decision to step back from regular play.
"After months of weighing my options, I realized I had to leave the game."
Jon Feliciano
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