CHARLOTTE — Yosh Nijman is retiring from football, the offensive tackle announced on social media Wednesday night. He spent the last two seasons playing for the Carolina Panthers.
Nijman was an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team after the league year opened on Wednesday afternoon. He was a candidate to re-sign with the Panthers, but the team agreed to terms with tackle Stone Forsythe earlier this week to cover his absence.
"Yosh is, just as an athlete, having a good swing guy like that has been certainly invaluable for us," offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said of Nijman during the season.
The tackle filled in for both Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu at different times, starting seven games during his time in Carolina, and appearing in 32. He was the ultimate "next man up" till the very end, stepping in on the Panthers' eighth play from scrimmage in a wild card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams when Ekwonu suffered a knee injury.
Nijman finished the game at left tackle without allowing a sack.
Longtime offensive lineman Austin Corbett bragged of Nijman ahead of the playoff game, "he's played a lot of football and no moment's too big for him."
The Virginia Tech product originally entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers. By 2022, he had become the starting left tackle for Aaron Rodgers final year in Green Bay. Over the course of Nijman's six-year career, he played in 99 games, starting 29 total.
Nijman announced his retirement on his Instagram page with a message of thanks for both Green Bay and Carolina.
"After seven incredible years in the NFL, I've decided it's time to officially step away from the game of football," he wrote alongside a swipe of photos that chronicled his football career. "First and foremost, I want to thank God. My faith in Jesus Christ has been the foundation of my life and my career. Through every high, every challenge, every injury, and every opportunity, God has guided my path and given me strength far beyond what I could do on my own. Football has been a blessing, but my relationship with Him will always be the most important part of my journey.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level. From my college days at Virginia Tech, where I grew as both a player and a man, to living out my dream in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers, every moment has shaped who I am today.
"To my teammates, coaches, and staff members throughout my career—thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and standing beside me. The brotherhood built in locker rooms and on the field is something I will carry with me forever.
"To the fans in Green Bay and Carolina, thank you for your passion and support. Playing in front of you all was truly special, and I'll always be grateful for the energy and love you brought every game day.
"Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends. Your constant support, prayers, and encouragement made this journey possible.
"Football has given me so much, but I'm excited for the next chapter of life and the new ways God will use me moving forward. The lessons, memories, and relationships from this game will stay with me forever."
Many of Nijman's teammates from the Panthers chimed in with words of support, thanks, and well-wishes as the veteran offensive tackle moves on to the next phase of his career and life.
See photos of the former Green Bay Packers offensive lineman in action.
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (74) in action against Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring (94) rushes against Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73)during an NFL pre-season football game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Peter Aiken)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) in action against Green Bay Packers tackle Yosh Nijman (73) during the NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) blocks during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, October 23, 2022 in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) lines up against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Jan 2. 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) lines up during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bryan Bennett)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) rushes on Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) lines up against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game Saturday, Dec 25. 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) blocks against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) blocks against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) blocks Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) plays during a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes, left, is blocked by Green Bay Packers tackle Yosh Nijman during the first half of a preseason NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Chicago Bears linebacker Trevis Gipson (99) blocks against Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) walks of the field after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
