Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Tommy Doyle was forced to retire at 26 due to severe nerve damage in his left leg. Despite a promising start, injuries significantly hindered his career. Doyle reflects on the lessons learned and plans to engage with the community and advocate for player health in the NFL.

The retirement comes after Doyle experienced nerve damage in his left leg following a severe injury in the 2023 preseason. Before that, Doyle missed the majority of the 2022 season with an ACL injury to his right knee.

Buffalo Bills player Tommy Doyle announced on Friday, Feb. 14 his decision to medically retire at the age of 26 after a left leg injury he sustained during a 2023 preseason game left him with 'nerve damage' that 'looks as though it's permanent.

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Tommy Doyle, center, celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New England Patriots, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex) AP

Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Tommy Doyle announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday due to a leg injury that caused nerve damage. Tommy Doyle has announced his retirement from the NFL. ❤️💙 Help us wish @freestylefalcon all the best in his next chapter: https://t.co/KzBfpkIrcn pic.twitter.com/TENwsxVB2p

Buffalo Bills lineman Tommy Doyle has announced his decision to medically retire from the NFL ahead of the 2025-26 season

He made the decision to medically retire from the sport after not appearing in a game since Week 3 of the 2022 season.