A versatile wide receiver best known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, officially announced his retirement from the NFL this week after a decade-long career as one of the league’s most dependable secondary passing-game options.
Former Bengals WR Announces Retirement from NFL, Talks Post-Retirement Plans
Mohamed Sanu, 36, shared the news on social media with a heartfelt message reflecting on his decade-long NFL journey and expressing gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans who supported him. He also talked about his plans post-retirement.
“After 10+ years in the NFL,” my playing chapter is closing,” Sanu posted on social media. “Grateful for every coach, teammate & fan. Excited to give back through coaching & share the game in a new way with the “Facts Over Stats” Podcast. The journey continues.”
After 10+ years in the NFL, my playing chapter is closing. Grateful for every coach, teammate & fan. Excited to give back through coaching & share the game in a new way with the @FactsOverStats Podcast. The journey continues… 💯 pic.twitter.com/Ey4szZmJV8
— Mohamed Sanu Sr. (@Mo_12_Sanu) September 19, 2025
Following a standout collegiate career at Rutgers, Sanu was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in Cincinnati, catching 152 passes for 1,793 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also contributed as a rusher and occasional passer, completing all five of his pass attempts for 172 yards and two touchdowns during that stretch.
In 2016, Sanu signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract with the Falcons, stepping into a featured role alongside future NFL Hall of Famer Julio Jones in one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. Over three and a half seasons in Atlanta, he recorded 225 receptions for 2,507 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a career-high 838 receiving yards in 2018.
He played a crucial role in the Falcons’ run to Super Bowl 51 and continued to showcase his versatility with occasional rushing attempts and successful trick plays. His time in Atlanta marked the statistical peak of his career and reinforced his reputation as a dependable, multidimensional player.
Sanu also played for the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers (during two separate stints), and Detroit Lions, finishing his career with 435 receptions, 4,871 receiving yards, and 27 touchdown receptions.
In July 2022, he signed with the Miami Dolphins during training camp but was released before appearing in a regular-season game, thus ending his time there without taking a snap. His final regular-season appearance came in 2021 with San Francisco.
After retirement, Sanu plans to stay connected to the game through coaching and podcasting. His new venture, the “Facts Over Stats Podcast,” will provide football insights and storytelling from a player’s perspective.
While Sanu may not have the accolades of some of his peers, his impact on the field and in locker rooms across the league was undeniable. His retirement marks the end of a quietly remarkable career built on consistency, versatility, and leadership.
