Bills offensive lineman Tommy Doyle announced Friday that he has medically retired from the NFL.
Doyle was unfortunately plagued with injuries throughout his four-year career, and his most recent left leg injury has left him with nerve damage.
"At this point, with the calendar and the healing process, it looks as though it's permanent," Doyle said of the leg injury. "I'm just unable to play football at a high level, and it's time. When you know you know."
Doyle suffered the severe leg injury in 2023 during Buffalo's second preseason game against the Steelers on August 19. The other major injury he faced was an ACL tear on his right leg during the beginning of the 2022 season (Week 3).
"I was really battling and competing and working to come back from that (ACL) injury, only to be kind of struck with an even more disastrous injury," Doyle said. "But at the end of the day, there was a lot of negative emotions and anger…doing a lot of reflecting lately and looking back on it, I've learned a lot of valuable lessons from it."
One of the lessons Doyle said he learned is that his identity extends beyond the football field. The four-year player also shared it was a long process to arrive at the decision to retire.
"Football is something that I've loved and put my life into," Doyle said. "And I put a lot of time, effort and energy to try to get back on the field. But ultimately, that's really not the plan God has for me, and I know that to be true. I feel that this is the time to announce it and move on."
The offensive lineman saw his most action during his rookie season when he played in 11 games. Doyle was originally drafted by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Many fans will remember Doyle for his playoff touchdown during his rookie season. The OL caught a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Allen during the fourth quarter against the Patriots in the Wild Card round. Buffalo beat New England 47-17 with a score on every possession.
When looking back on his four years in Buffalo, the Minnesota native said he will miss his teammates the most.
"I think what I will remember most just the relationships formed with the with the guys on the team, with the coaches, with the trainers, with the fans," Doyle shared. "It's an amazing town. It's an amazing city. The fan base is awesome. Throughout my four years playing in Buffalo, just the different locker rooms and how tight knit it was, was something truly special."
Doyle was also an active member in the community during his time as a Bill. The OL was often present at various events throughout his four years that helped serve Western New York.
As for what's next, Doyle wants to take in a Bills game like a fan.
"I'd probably like to come to a tailgate and drink some Labatt Blue Lights."
