EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- As the Chargers were on day one of training camp at The Bolt, ESPN and NFL Network reported that wide receiver Mike Williams informed the team he intended to retire after eight seasons in the NFL, a decision the team has confirmed.
Williams was brought back in the offseason as a veteran receiver who would help make an impact on the field and assist the coach in developing the younger players. He worked off to the side during OTAs and minicamp with an undisclosed injury. The team was starting him off on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list to start camo.
He has always been a favorite target of quarterback Justin Herbert because of his ability to go up for 50-50 balls, which Herbert has in the past referred to as 80-20.
"When everything mattered the most, he was going to show up and that's what I'll remember most about him," Herbert said Thursday. "It was an honor to play alongside him, to throw him the ball and definitely heartbreaking, tough news to hear about. But we got his back no matter what."
whole lotta love 🤟 pic.twitter.com/Rbu4U1doZl
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 17, 2025
Williams played seven seasons with the Chargers, catching 309 passes for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was cut before the start of the new league year in 2024 and signed with the New York Jets. Halfway through the season, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Between the two stints, he had 21 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown.
During his eight seasons, Williams suffered through numerous injuries, such as a cervical neck fracture, a back vertebral disc, and a torn ACL, to name a few, that have slowed him down.
Williams' retirement leaves a big void for the team at receiver because what Williams is able to bring is unique due to his size and jump ability.
"I love him as a brother," safety Derwin James said. "It is bigger than football."
It is unknown if the Chargers would go out in search of a receiver to make up for Williams' absence. There are still Amari Cooper and Gabriel Davis available, who could help the offense. The name Keenan Allen will be floated around, but he is a slot guy, which is where Ladd McConkey occupies.
The team has in-house players they can look to, but the void will need to be filled somehow, because this offense could use all the playmakers it needs to help win games.
The offense received some good news on Thursday afternoon when rookie receiver Tre Harris signed his contract and ended his holdout. Harris is a player the Chargers are counting on to make an impact. Missing one practice won't hurt but it is good he is signed and ready to practice.
"You can't really replace a guy like that," Herbert said of Williams. "But thankfully we've got a receiver room that continues to push each other."