Robert Woods Retires After 13 NFL Seasons, Signs One-Day Contract to Finish as a Ram
Robert Woods has played his final down in the NFL. The veteran wide receiver officially announced his retirement on Tuesday following a 13-year career that saw him evolve from a reliable second-round pick into a Super Bowl champion and one of the league’s most respected perimeter blockers.
To mark the occasion, Woods signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Los Angeles Rams. The move allows the 33-year-old to retire as a member of the franchise where he enjoyed his most statistically productive seasons and captured a championship ring. The news was first reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, signaling the end of a tenure that spanned four different organizations and more than a decade of professional football.
A Fitting End in Los Angeles
The decision to retire as a Ram brings Woods full circle. While he began his career elsewhere, his tenure in Los Angeles from 2017 to 2021 defined his legacy. During that five-year stretch, Woods became an integral part of head coach Sean McVay’s offense. He was often celebrated not just for his pass-catching ability but for his selflessness and grit in the run game.
Woods was instrumental during the Rams’ ascent to the top of the NFC. He recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2018 and 2019, establishing himself as a premier possession receiver. His partnership with fellow receiver Cooper Kupp gave Los Angeles one of the most efficient and dangerous receiving duos in the league for several seasons.
The pinnacle of his time in Los Angeles came during the 2021 campaign when the team won Super Bowl LVI. Although a torn ACL in practice midway through that season kept him off the field for the championship game itself, his contributions to the team’s culture and early-season success were widely acknowledged by teammates and coaches as vital to their title run.
From Buffalo to the Big Stage
Before his breakout years on the West Coast, Woods cut his teeth in the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills selected him with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of USC. He spent his first four professional seasons in Buffalo, where he quickly developed a reputation for toughness and reliability.
During his time with the Bills, Woods was a consistent target in an offense that often struggled to find rhythm in the passing game. He started 48 games for Buffalo, laying the groundwork for the versatile skill set that would later flourish in Los Angeles. His return to California in 2017 marked a turning point in his career trajectory, allowing him to showcase his full potential in a more dynamic offensive scheme.
The Final Chapters of a 13-Year Run
Following his successful stint with the Rams, Woods continued his career with stops in the AFC South. The Rams traded him to the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2022 season, where he spent one year as a veteran presence in their locker room. He then moved on to the Houston Texans, playing two seasons and helping mentor a young roster that surprised the league with a playoff berth in 2023.
Woods attempted to extend his career into a 14th season, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 offseason. However, he was released during final roster cuts on September 2 and did not appear in a regular-season game for the team. After taking time to assess his future, Woods decided that the time was right to step away from the game.
Leaving a Legacy of Passion
In a heartfelt Instagram post accompanying his announcement, Woods expressed deep gratitude for his journey. He highlighted the emotional investment he placed in every snap he played.
“After 27 unforgettable years of pouring my heart into this game, and 13 incredible years in the NFL, it is time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything,” Woods wrote. “Football has never just been a game to me. It has been my passion, my purpose, and my lifelong dream.”
He went on to emphasize his competitive nature and his desire to be felt by opponents on every play. Woods noted that winning the Super Bowl was the realization of a childhood dream, a memory he said he will treasure forever.
Robert Woods by the Numbers
Woods departs the NFL with a stat sheet that reflects his longevity and consistency. Over the course of 13 seasons, he appeared in 142 regular-season games. He finishes his career with 683 receptions for 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns.
Beyond the raw numbers, Woods retires as a player who maximized his opportunities. He leaves the game with a Super Bowl ring and the respect of peers who viewed him as the ultimate teammate. By signing a one-day contract with Los Angeles, he ensures that his career ends exactly where his star shone the brightest.
