Bryan Bulaga, a veteran offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion, has decided to retire from professional football. Bulaga, who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers, will officially retire as a Packer.
The 34-year-old right tackle was a first-round pick by the Packers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Bulaga played 111 games with the Packers, making him the eighth-highest in career starts by a tackle in the franchise’s 103-year history. His contributions to the Packers’ offensive line were a crucial part of the Aaron Rodgers era, providing stability and protection for the star quarterback.
Injuries, including two ACL tears and a core muscle injury, affected Bulaga at different points in his career. Despite these challenges, he continued to make significant contributions to the team. Notably, Bulaga was a rookie-year starter in the 2010 season, which culminated in the Packers winning Super Bowl XLV. He started all four postseason games that year.
Bulaga’s impact extended beyond his time with the Packers, as he later joined the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers signed him to a three-year, $30 million deal in 2020. However, injuries continued to impact his availability, and the team released him in 2022 to create cap savings.
Throughout his 12-year career, Bulaga did not receive Pro Bowl nods, a common occurrence for right tackles due to the Pro Bowl format. Nevertheless, his consistent and valuable contributions to both the Packers and the Chargers earned him respect in the league.
Bulaga’s retirement marks the conclusion of a successful career in the NFL, highlighted by his durability, resilience, and role in helping the Green Bay Packers secure a Super Bowl victory.