In one of the most abrupt exits in recent NFL memory, Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Squirrel White has retired just 16 days into his professional career. The 22-year-old, who signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft, was placed on the team's reserve/retired list on Monday, May 11.

White's decision comes as a surprise, especially given his promising collegiate career. The Alabama native began at Tennessee, where he emerged as a dynamic playmaker, before finishing at Florida State. Over his college tenure, he accumulated more than 1,900 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, showcasing the kind of speed and agility that had fans and analysts intrigued about his potential at the next level.

However, the transition to the NFL proved short-lived. Just days before his retirement was made official, ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin noted an unusual scene at rookie minicamp. "I was walking into the Walter Payton Center Saturday as he was exiting the practice field with a trainer. This was during stretch. He did not return for practice," Cronin reported on social media. White's sudden departure from the field and subsequent retirement have left many questions unanswered, as he has not publicly addressed his decision.

Interestingly, White isn't alone in making an early exit. The very next day, Miami Dolphins rookie Le'Veon Moss was placed on the reserve/retired list just four days after signing as an undrafted free agent. While the reasons behind these decisions remain unclear, they serve as a reminder of the immense physical and mental demands of professional football—and how quickly dreams can shift.

For now, the Bears will move forward without a player who many hoped could add depth to their receiving corps. Whether this marks the end of White's football journey or just a pause, his brief NFL chapter will certainly be one for the record books.