Ahkello Witherspoon Retires from NFL at 31

Former Washington Commanders cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 31. The team confirmed on Tuesday that Witherspoon has been placed on the Reserve/Retired List. Cornerback Fabian Moreau has been signed to fill his position.

Witherspoon signed a one-year contract worth $1.41 million with the Commanders in May. However, he informed the team of his retirement on Tuesday after participating in practice on Monday.

Witherspoon played collegiately at Colorado as a defensive back. Over 37 games, he accumulated 71 tackles, three interceptions, and defended 27 passes. He also recovered one fumble and forced another. His senior year marked a peak in performance, leading Division I college football with 22 passes defended.

He entered the NFL when the San Francisco 49ers picked him in the third round of the 2017 Draft. Throughout his time with the 49ers, Witherspoon played 47 games, starting 33. He recorded 117 tackles, four interceptions—one of which he returned for a touchdown—and defended 24 passes.

Following four years with the 49ers, Witherspoon briefly joined the Seattle Seahawks but was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers without suiting up for Seattle. During his tenure with Pittsburgh, he played 13 games and started in seven, contributing 35 tackles and four interceptions.

After his time with the Steelers, Witherspoon signed one-year contracts over three successive seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. His most notable season with the Rams included starting all 17 games and recording 52 tackles along with three interceptions.

In total, Witherspoon started 64 of the 96 games he played during his career, achieving 243 tackles, 13 interceptions, and defending 60 passes.