Former NFL quarterback Chris Streveler has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The announcement was made on Tuesday via a heartfelt video statement shared on his Instagram account, marking the end of a diverse career that included stints with multiple teams across both the National Football League and the Canadian Football League.
A Career Spanning Two Leagues
Chris Streveler's football journey was notably varied, featuring appearances for the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals during his time in the NFL. His professional path began after playing college football at Minnesota and South Dakota, which paved the way for his initial foray into the Canadian Football League.
Success in the CFL
Streveler first gained significant recognition with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he played from 2018 to 2019. During this period, he was instrumental in helping the team secure the Grey Cup championship in 2019, a highlight of his career. His performance in the CFL demonstrated his capabilities as a quarterback and set the stage for his subsequent move to the NFL.
NFL Tenure and Challenges
In 2020, Streveler was released from the Blue Bombers to pursue opportunities in the NFL, leading him to sign a reserve/future contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He spent two seasons with the Cardinals before being waived in November 2021. During his time in Arizona, he appeared in seven games, completing 17 of 25 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown.
Following his departure from the Cardinals, Streveler briefly joined the Baltimore Ravens practice squad and was later signed by the Miami Dolphins in early 2022. After being waived by the Dolphins in May 2022, he was picked up by the New York Jets. That season, Streveler was among the four quarterbacks to start a game for the Jets, making his first career NFL start in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In that game, he completed 10 of 15 passes for 90 yards in a 23-6 defeat.
Return to the CFL and Final Season
After his NFL endeavors, Streveler returned to the CFL in 2024, rejoining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. During the 2025 season, he threw for 1,103 yards and six touchdowns, along with 11 interceptions. This return to his roots in Canadian football provided a fitting chapter to his professional story before his retirement announcement.
Reflections on a Football Journey
In his retirement video, Streveler expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities football provided him. 'I love football, but today is my last day as a football player,' he stated. 'This game has given me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. This game has challenged me with obstacles I thought I'd never overcome. This game has forged lifelong bonds with people I would have never met otherwise. I've been playing this game since I was eight years old. Today, I'm 31.'
He fondly recalled his childhood aspirations, saying, 'I remember little fifth-grade Chris Streveler practicing his autographs in his notebooks in school and telling everyone he's going to be a professional football player. If I could rewind time and tell the kid that journey he would go on in this game, he would never believe me.' Streveler highlighted the personal milestones of his career, including winning a Grey Cup and competing alongside legendary players.
Overcoming Injuries
Throughout his career, Streveler faced significant physical challenges, including two ACL tears and a series of other injuries. Despite these setbacks, he maintained a positive outlook. 'I mentioned this after I tore my ACL for the second time, but I have no regrets,' he remarked. 'At the end of the day, that's all I could ask for. When I lie down for bed every night, I can sleep because I know I gave it everything I had and maximized the talent I was blessed with.'
His resilience in the face of adversity underscores the dedication and passion that defined his time on the field. As he steps away from professional football, Streveler leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and achievement across multiple leagues.
