The Atlanta Falcons have had to say goodbye to a new player on Tuesday before he had even played a game for the team. The Falcons confirmed that defensive lineman Eddie Goldman has notified the team of his retirement plans.
As of a little over two weeks ago, Goldman became a member of Arthur Smith’s side. The 28-year-old defensive tackle was released by Chicago at the start of the new league year, beginning a lengthy free agency that culminated in his choice to sign with the Falcons.
Goldman was about to begin a new chapter in Atlanta after spending the previous seven years with the Bears, six seasons owing to his choice to opt out of the COVID-19 impacted 2020 season. But when training camp drew near, he made a different decision and retired from the game a few months before turning 29.
Eddie Goldman retires after seven years in NFL
On July 6 he joined the Falcons for a single season on a one-year contract. There, he teamed up with ex-Bears general manager Ryan Pace.
As the Bears’ 39th overall choice in the 2015 NFL Draft, Goldman got off to a great start in his first season with the organization, compiling 4.5 sacks. Goldman started 73 of the 81 games he appeared in and finished with 13 sacks, 175 tackles, and two fumble recoveries throughout the course of his career.
