Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. retires from NFL

It is hard to call Ted Ginn, Jr. a former Chicago Bears wide receiver, but technically he is one. Ginn played for 14 years in the NFL, but only one of those years was with the Chicago Bears. That one season took place last year. Although, Ginn only played in six games for the Bears before he was released. Today Ted Ginn, Jr. announced his retirement from the NFL.

Ginn was signed to the 2020 roster on a one-year deal worth $1.88 million. His signing took place after the 2020 NFL Draft and many thought the signing was to help develop 2020 rookie wide receiver, Darnell Mooney. I am not sure exactly how much influence Ginn had over Mooney, but Mooney quickly rose up the depth chart and received the second-most targets to a wide receiver on the team. Heading into the 2021 season, Mooney is the clear favorite to be the WR2 behind Allen Robinson.

Former Chicago Bears receiver, Ted Ginn, Jr. retires from the NFL

Ted Ginn, Jr. was a former receiver out of Ohio State. He was drafted ninth overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2007. In another connection with the Chicago Bears, Ginn was born in 1985 — the one and only season the Chicago Bears won a Super Bowl. Alright, that’s a bit of a reach, but it’s technically true.

Now 36 years old, Ted Ginn, Jr. decided to hang up his cleats and announce his retirement. He is retiring with a career 54.2% catch rate. He finished with 5,742 yards and 33 touchdowns. His best season came in 2015 with the Carolina Panthers. Ginn recorded 44 catches for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns. In fact, his best seasons came with the Panthers.

Wide receiver is not the only position Ted Ginn, Jr. was known for. He also was known as a return specialist. Ginn finished his career with four kickoff return touchdowns and three punt return touchdowns. Unfortunately, he never made a Pro Bowl.

Ginn played for six teams throughout his career — Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, Arizona, New Orleans and Chicago. He never played for a team for more than three years. It will be interesting to see which team he considers “his” team.

At 36 years old, there is no shame in Ted Ginn, Jr. not finding a home with a new team. He has played well and left his mark on the league. Ginn will not be a Hall of Famer, but plenty of people will remember him years from now as a solid receiver and returner.