For the better part of decade, whenever the Cincinnati Bengals needed a big play, they’d throw the ball up to wide receiver A.J. Green. And throughout his 10-year career with the Bengals, Green reeled those passes in and made some of the most incredible catches in Bengals’ history.
On Monday, Green announced his retirement on Instagram. The seven-time Pro Bowler finished his career with 727 catches for 10,514 yards with 70 touchdowns.
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Green wrote, “Thank you. Thank you to all who have supported, encouraged and inspired me throughout my career. Special thank you to the University of Georgia, Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals for the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”
From the Cincinnati Bengals to Arizona Cardinals: A look at NFL career of AJ Green
In the early 2010s, Green was one of the best receivers in football. He set the standard across the NFL with his acrobatic catches where he’d rise above defenders and beat double teams. He made some of the most improbable catches in Bengals’ history, including on a Hail Mary against the Cleveland Browns when he jumped above four defenders, tipped the ball to himself and made the catch in the end zone.
Green, 34, was one of the best deep threats in the NFL and arguably the best player on the Bengals as they made five consecutive postseason appearances. He ranks second in Bengals’ history in receiving yards, second in receptions and second in touchdowns, trailing only Chad Johnson.
The turning point of Green’s career took place in a training camp practice in Dayton in July 2019. Green was carted off the field with an ankle injury at Welcome Stadium, and he missed the entire season.
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Heading into the 2020 season, the Bengals gave Green the franchise tag. Green played on the one-year deal for $18.2 million, and the Bengals’ plan was for Green to be quarterback Joe Burrow’s top target during Burrow’s rookie season.
Green struggled to create separation all season, lost targets to Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins and finished the 2020 season with just 523 receiving yards. Green signed with the Arizona Cardinals the following offseason and caught 78 passes for 1,084 yards in two seasons with the Cardinals.
A.J. Green on retirement: ‘The next chapter begins’
Green was one of the most talented players in Bengals’ history, and he was one of the biggest reasons the franchise turned itself around after losing Carson Palmer. After the Bengals drafted Green and Andy Dalton in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Bengals found stability on offense and a dynamic passing attack. Alongside Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu and Tyler Eifert, the Bengals built one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.
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“I’ve stayed true to the game and it owes me nothing,” Green wrote on Monday. “Be blessed. Love y’all! The next chapter begins.
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