Jaire Alexander opens up about stepping away from the NFL

Former Green Bay Packers All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander has publicly explained his decision to step away from the NFL last season, citing mental health struggles and the physical and emotional toll of injuries and recovery. Alexander, who had difficult stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, used The Players' Tribune to share his story on May 13, 2026. He described the decision as 'one of the toughest things I've ever had to do' but acknowledged it was necessary.