24-Year-Old Wide Receiver Ja'Lynn Polk Announces Retirement
Ja'Lynn Polk, a former second-round pick who played for the Patriots and was later traded to the Saints, has retired at age 24 after a brief NFL career.
Wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, selected 37th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft, was placed on the league’s reserve/retired list on Aug. 2. The 24-year-old had been traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2025 for a conditional 2027 draft pick after a shoulder injury sidelined him before the season began. Polk appeared in 15 games during his rookie year, recording 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns, and has not played in an NFL game since the 2024 season. In college, he contributed to the University of Washington’s run to the 2024 national championship, catching five passes for 122 yards in the semifinal win over Texas and four passes for 37 yards in the title game against Michigan.
"We wish Ja'Lynn the best in his future endeavors," a Saints spokesperson said. Polk’s retirement ends a brief professional stint that began with high expectations after his standout performance in the College Football Playoff.