NFL wide receiver Rishard Matthews has announced his retirement a few days after his release from the New Orleans Saints, according to his Instagram page.
Matthews, 29, who was released by the Saints with a “left team” designation, made the post entitled “No Longer Exist”, with the following barbs:
“The game has given me and family so much but that No Longer Exist … Beating your body up over and over for groups of people to give out a small % of the earnings that they don’t even need for me No Longer Exist … The endless training & hours away from my family No Longer Exist …
“The brainwashing & dividing of culture for a small piece of jewelry No Longer Exist … Being around too much Ego to even understand that someone has the same skin as you No Longer Exist … People using me for Entertainment and not understanding that i Am a Black Man in America No Longer Exist
“As a receiver, people controlling your success No Longer Exist … Being around just pure fakeness No Longer Exist … The crowds cheering No Longer Exist … The Touchdowns, Big Catches Fun Times No Longer Exist … All the people that never talk to you then hit you up for tickets when they see you’re close to them thinking you get them for free & act crazy when you can’t get them for them No Longer Exist (lol)
“I am thankful to have become financially free but that income No Longer Exist (lol) … It was cool being a Professional Football Player and getting to play a kids game for work I will always be a fan of the best sport in the world but for me that Kids game No Longer Exist”
Matthews landed with the Saints following an minicamp tryout back in June and hauled in only one reception during the Saints first preseason game.
Matthews started his career with the Miami Dolphins and landed with the Tennessee Titans where he was their top receiver in 2016 and 2017, but requested his release during the 2018 season due to a diminished role.
Matthews then signed with the New York Jets but only caught 5 passes for 24 yards over 8 games last season.
Matthews retires with 230 career catches for 3,160 yards and 21 touchdowns in seven seasons.
