Cole Beasley announces his retirement from the NFL

DALLAS – Editor’s note: The video posted above is a WFAA story on Cole Beasley from 2018.

Former Dallas Cowboys and SMU wide receiver Cole Beasley has announced he has decided to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons, NFL Network’s Tom Pellicero and Mike Garofalo report.

Beasley, 33, was just signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad two weeks ago and was called up to the active roster. He played two games for the Buccaneers against the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, totaling four catches for 17 yards.

“He’s ready to be with his family after playing 11 seasons and it’s time to be a full-time father and husband,” said Beasley’s agent, Justin Turner. Garofalo and Pelissero said.

Beasley, a Little Elm native, played for the SMU Mustangs from 2008 to 2010 and had 2,959 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He went undrafted and began his career in Dallas with the Cowboys in 2012.

Beasley played seven seasons for the Cowboys as their premier receiver, catching 319 passes for 3,271 yards and 23 touchdowns.

After Dallas, Beasley played three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he primarily made headlines during the 2021 season for his outspoken comments against the NFL’s COVID-19 vaccines. According to ESPN, he was fined $100,000 for multiple violations of COVID-19 protocol with the Bills.

He also gained national attention for his rap track, “Heavy 1s,” detailing his pro-choice stance when it comes to vaccines against COVID-19.

Beasley finishes his pro career with 554 receptions for 5,726 yards and 34 touchdowns.