Schwartz announced his retirement Thursday via his personal Twitter account.
Schwartz's decision comes after he sat out the entire 2021 season while recovering from back surgery. The 33-year-old offensive tackle suggested in his post that his back has responded well to rehab, though he's opting to preserve his long-term health by walking away from the sport. A four-time All-Pro selection, Schwartz began his career in 2012 as a second-round pick with the Browns and then joined the Chiefs ahead of the 2016 season before being released following Kansas City's loss to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV.
The Chiefs are releasing Schwartz (back) on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
The team is also releasing left tackle Eric Fisher, who suffered an Achilles' tear during the playoffs. Schwartz, the Chiefs' right tackle, had already been on the shelf for a long time at that point, with a back injury shutting him down after Week 6 and ultimately requiring disk surgery in February. The 2012 second-round pick should find a market in free agency, considering he was a 16-game starter in each of his first eight NFL seasons. Chiefs GM Brett Veach said Schwartz should be ready for training camp, per James Palmer of NFL Network.
