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For the past decade, much of the focus of Charles Leno Jr the NFL. As the offensive lineman moves on to the next chapter of his life, he’s now turning his attention to his loved ones.
On Tuesday, the former Washington Commanders offensive lineman cited his wife Jennifer Leno’s miscarriage in his retirement announcement. Tuesday also marked two years since the Leno family lost their daughter Paitynn.
“On October 14, 2023, my wife Jennifer and I experienced the most unimaginable heartbreak. We lost our precious daughter, Paitynn, our fourth girl,” the 34-year-old wrote in a statement published on Instagram.
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Charles Leno Jr. (72) of the Washington Commanders poses before the game against the Buffalo Bills at FedExField on September 24, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (G Fiume/Getty Images)
“That day changed everything for me. It changed the way I see life, the way I carry myself and, above all, what matters most to me.”
BROWNS WIDE RECEIVER DAVID BELL, 24, is retiring after being “blindsided” by an off-field injury.
Leno added that he realized his heart could no longer be fully committed to the game he once loved.
“That’s when I knew I was done with football,” he continued. “Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. My priority, my passion, my purpose had changed. My heart now fully belongs to my family. And I knew that one day, when the time was right, I would make it official.”
Charles Leno Jr. (72) of the Washington Commanders reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 1, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The retired NFL offensive lineman described being a father as “the most important role of my life.” Leno shares three daughters with his wife.
“Your laughter, your love and your strength gave me a purpose far beyond football,” Leno wrote in a message to his daughters. “I want to be there for every moment, every milestone and every memory to come.”
Charles Leno Jr. (72) of the Washington Commanders leaves the field during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Leno also thanked his wife in his announcement, describing her as his “rock.”
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O Chicago Bears drafted Leno in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Bears before joining Washington.
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