You could feel the weight in his words before the injury ever happened. Austin Ekeler , who began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers and is now the Washington Commanders ’ running back, sat across from us during an EssentiallySports Exclusive Interview and admitted something most athletes never dare to say out loud: retirement had already crossed his mind.

When the host, Andrew Whitelaw, asked the 30-year-old about his future plans after he is done with his NFL career, Ekeler didn’t hesitate to look past the field. He spoke with the measured tone of a veteran who has already outlasted the odds. “Yeah, absolutely, you know, I have two years, so I’m in my second of my two-year deal out here, so looking forward to putting our best foot for

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