Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement from the National Football League on Apr. 8.
McGary, who was drafted with the 31st pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft after Atlanta traded up, became a key part of the team’s offensive line. He played alongside guard Chris Lindstrom, also a first-round selection that year, and together they helped build one of the league’s strongest rushing offenses. The Falcons ranked among the top ten in rushing each season from 2022 to 2025, with McGary recognized for his blocking abilities.
Lindstrom said in 2023 after McGary signed a three-year contract extension: “I was fortunate that Kaleb was able to come in with me in 2019. After I got signed and I knew I was going to be here for a while, and — Kaleb is my partner. You have your friend and your teammate, and you want him to be on the field with him.”
Over six seasons with Atlanta, McGary appeared in 93 games and started all but one. He was expected to continue as a starter into his seventh season but missed all of 2025 due to a knee injury sustained at training camp’s end.
“I truly enjoyed my time playing alongside Kaleb,” Atlanta Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan said. “He was an outstanding teammate and had a tremendous career as a Falcon. We are grateful for the impact he made on this organization, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website. The team is based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website and began as an expansion franchise in 1965 according to their official website. They have advanced twice to the Super Bowl—once each following the 1998 and 2016 seasons according to their official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as team mascot according to their official website.
McGary’s departure marks another transition for an organization that has seen both historic highs—including two Super Bowl appearances—and ongoing changes since its founding.
