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Markus Golden has officially announced his retirement on Wednesday. The 33-year-old seasoned outside linebacker with a nine-year career in the NFL had a brief but impactful tenure with the New York Giants. He took to Instagram to share his decision after being placed on the reserve/retired list by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the month.
Golden made his mark with the Giants during the 2019 season and part of 2020, appearing in 23 games and starting 17 of them. During his time with the team, he recorded 11.5 sacks, solidifying his reputation as a key defensive contributor.
"Football has always been more than just a sport to me, I've officially retired from the NFL after playing the game I've loved all my life," Golden wrote on Instagram. "I feel truly blessed to have been able to live out the dreams and goals I set for myself as a kid. A Big thank you to God, my family, friends, St. Louis, Matthew Dickey Boys & Girls Club, Affton, Hutchinson Community College, Mizzou, The Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dreams.
"I'm also incredibly grateful to all the teammates and coaches I had the privilege to work with along the way. To all the incredible fans, Thank You! Your ion and energy fueled me, and I'm grateful for each and every one of you."
Golden's NFL career
His journey began when he was selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, following a successful college career at the University of Missouri. Over the course of his professional career, Golden also played for the Giants and Steelers, accumulating 343 total tackles, 51 sacks, and one touchdown.
Primarily known for his time with the Cardinals, Golden played in four playoff games-three with Arizona and one with Pittsburgh - showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in the postseason.
After being traded back to the Cardinals from the Giants during the 2020 season, Golden openly criticized his lack of playing time in New York, a frustration he revisited in early 2021.