Former Vikings first-rounder reveals his NFL career is likely over

Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes recently shared his thoughts about his future in the NFL and how his time in the league is probably done.

Before it became a running joke of the Mike Zimmer era, Trae Waynes was the first of four cornerbacks drafted in the first or second round by the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2020.

Waynes was the first corner to come off of the board in the 2015 NFL Draft when the Vikings decided to select him with the No. 11 pick in the opening round.

Now, after five years with Minnesota, and another two with the Cincinnati Bengals, the former Michigan State cornerback sounds like he’s ready to be done with his career as a professional football player.

Has former Minnesota Vikings CB Trae Waynes unofficially retired?

In a recent appearance on the Geary & Stein Sports Show, Waynes discussed if there is a future with him still suiting up in an NFL uniform every Sunday.

"“I’m not really exploring anything to be honest with you. Multiple teams have actually called, but in my head I’m done. I’m not officially doing it, I’d say, just because I don’t do that shit. I’m retired, but it’s not like I announced it or anything.”"

The veteran corner also revealed that he almost joined the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason to reunite with some other former members of the Vikings.

"“I actually almost went to Philly to go back with [Jonathan Gannon] and [Anthony Harris]. But at that point I was like, ‘I’m ready to be done.’ Could I easily keep playing several more years? Yes. But I got a family, I want to be around with my kids more.”"

As surprising as it might be for some to hear a former first-round draft pick say he’s done in the NFL after seven seasons, it’s not too shocking when it comes to Waynes.

The former Minnesota cornerback was with the Bengals for the last two years, but he was only able to appear in 24 percent of the team’s games (including the playoffs) due to multiple injuries.

Waynes will turn 30-years-old at the end of July and he’s clearly already focused on his life after football. It’s hard to blame the guy who spent a significant portion of his life participating in a sport that takes a brutal toll on a person’s mind and body.

Some might look at Waynes as walking away too early, but to him, it’s the right time to step away from the NFL and begin the next phase of his life.