EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Khalil Mack is on the brink of experiencing free agency for the first time in his lengthy 11-year NFL career. However, rather than focusing solely on this new opportunity, the Los Angeles Chargers linebacker is contemplating retirement as he reflects on his future.
Speaking on Sunday after the Chargers’ 32-12 defeat to Houston in the AFC wild-card round, Mack shared, “There are numerous thoughts running through my mind at the moment. It’s challenging for me to make a concrete determination about my next steps.” He emphasized the importance of talking with his wife and spending time with his children, aiming to avoid making any hasty decisions while dealing with the aftermath of the loss. “I’m trying to manage my emotions during this process and think clearly,” he added.
This past season saw Mack earn his ninth Pro Bowl selection, distinguishing himself as the only player in the league with no fewer than six sacks along with nine passes deflected. Since joining the NFL in 2014, he has amassed an impressive total of 107.5 sacks, which ranks third throughout the league during that timeframe. Furthermore, he leads in hurries with 256, displays second-most quarterback pressures at 454, and has recorded 32 forced fumbles alongside 24 strip-sacks.
Despite his individual accolades, postseason success has eluded Mack. This year marked just the fourth time he has reached the playoffs, with each appearance concluding in a first-weekend loss. “I definitely don’t want to conclude my career with a loss, given my identity. I want to make a push to participate in significant playoff games,” he noted. Mack expressed his intent to avoid thinking too far ahead, allowing ample time to weigh his options thoughtfully.
Mack entered the NFL in 2014 when the Oakland Raiders drafted him as the fifth overall pick. He achieved the title of Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 before being traded to the Chicago Bears the week preceding the 2018 season due to a contract extension impasse with the Raiders. Following this, Mack inked a six-year contract with the Bears starting in 2019 before transitioning to the Chargers in 2022.
“A while back, I told myself that completing ten years would be sufficient. I was misled,” remarked Mack. “I had hoped to secure a championship in the end, but life doesn’t always adhere to your plans. My career has involved adapting to setbacks and transforming challenges into opportunities.”
As he considers his future, Mack is also motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family, which includes two young sons, ages 2 and 3. He stated that he feels physically fit, particularly since he typically doesn’t practice on Wednesdays prior to games. “The mental demands of the game and the time it takes away from my family are significant factors weighing on my decision,” he reflected.
Still, Mack has the option to re-sign and return for another season with the Chargers, who had a promising year under head coach Jim Harbaugh in his inaugural season. The team concluded the season with an 11-6 record, demonstrating a six-win improvement from the previous year, while boasting the lowest points allowed in the league and ranking 11th in overall defense.
Mack highlighted Harbaugh as one of his key supporters, praising the veteran linebacker’s performance and leadership within the locker room. “This was a unique year considering what has been accomplished in the brief time we’ve been together and the potential still present,” commented Mack on Harbaugh. “It was remarkable how much we were able to achieve.”
