Former NFL and Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan has retired from football after eight seasons in the league.

McMillan, who last played football in 2024, was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. His rookie season ended before truly beginning after suffering a season-ending ACL tear. This would be a tragic foreshadowing of how the rest of his career would play out from that point forward.

McMillan spent the first three seasons of his career in Miami before being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. After just one season with the team, he signed with the New England Patriots for the 2021 NFL season. McMillan suffered his second torn ACL in his 5th season, causing him to miss the entire year.

After a fully healthy season in 2022, McMillan tore his Achilles tendon, resulting in his release from the Patriots. McMillan signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, appeared in the last two games, but never played in the NFL again.

Buckeyes Career

A former 5-star recruit in the class of 2014, McMillan chose Ohio State over Alabama, Clemson, and Auburn. The Butkus Award winner was ranked as the No. 1 linebacker in his class according to Rivals. McMillan enrolled at Ohio State in January of 2014.

McMillan instantly made an impact as a true freshman, converting 54 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. His sophomore season was even better, converting 119 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four passes defended. McMillan finished his Ohio State career as a junior, converting 102 tackles, two sacks, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He later declared for the draft following the 2016 season and became a top pick.

Although Raekwon McMillan’s NFL career did not quite live up to expectations, he will always be remembered as a solid linebacker who gave it everything he had. Had it not been for unfortunate injuries, McMillan truly could have been one of the best linebackers to play the game.