Kyle Van Noy Admits He Seriously Considered Retirement, Spent Offseason Reflecting on Football Future Before Committing to Return
As NFL training camps ramp up across the country, one of the league’s most seasoned and versatile linebackers, Kyle Van Noy, is back on the field—but only after a period of deep reflection and personal decision-making that nearly ended in retirement.
Van Noy, who turned 33 in March, revealed in a recent press conference that he spent significant time this offseason contemplating his future in football. With more than a decade of NFL experience, two Super Bowl rings, and a family that continues to grow, the former BYU standout admitted he was seriously weighing the decision to step away from the game.
“I thought about my future a lot—more than people probably realize,” Van Noy said. “At this point in my career, I’ve got nothing to prove. So it really came down to asking myself, ‘Do I still love this? Do I still want to do this the right way?’”
A Career Defined by Versatility and Winning
Since being selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Van Noy has carved out a remarkable career built on consistency, adaptability, and leadership. After struggling early in Detroit, he found his true identity with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick, where he became a key component of the team’s defense and helped win two Super Bowl titles (LI and LIII).
In his 10 seasons, Van Noy has suited up for the Lions, Patriots (twice), Dolphins, Chargers, and most recently the Baltimore Ravens, providing high-level production and a veteran presence wherever he goes. He has recorded:
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514 total tackles
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36 sacks
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11 forced fumbles
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3 interceptions
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Countless clutch plays in playoff moments
Van Noy is not a household name in the way some superstars are, but among NFL locker rooms and coaching circles, he’s known as one of the smartest, most reliable defenders in the game.
Family, Faith, and Football
Part of what made the decision to continue playing so difficult was the increasing pull of family life. Van Noy and his wife, Marissa, have two young children, and the linebacker has long spoken about his desire to be present as a father and role model.
“When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you start thinking about things outside of football,” Van Noy explained. “I love my kids. I love being with my wife. I don’t want to miss those moments that you can’t get back.”
Faith has always played a central role in Van Noy’s life and decision-making, and he said that prayer and spiritual guidance were crucial in helping him sort through his thoughts this offseason.
“I leaned on God. I prayed about it. I talked to my family, and ultimately I felt peace about coming back.”
Why He Returned
So why come back now?
Van Noy said it came down to three things: his health, his passion for the game, and his desire to finish on his own terms.
“I still feel good. I take care of my body, and I can still fly around and make plays. That’s not an issue,” he said. “But beyond that, I’m still passionate. I still love the process—the grind of preparing, watching film, getting better. As long as I feel that, I’m going to keep playing.”
He also made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave the game quietly or be forced out.
“I don’t want to fade out. I want to go out when I feel it’s the right time—not when someone else tells me.”
Still Making an Impact
Last season, Van Noy signed with the Ravens in October as a midseason addition—and quickly proved he still had plenty left in the tank. In 14 games (starting 6), he notched 9 sacks, 30 total tackles, and two forced fumbles, playing a critical role as a pass-rushing rotational linebacker. His performance helped solidify Baltimore’s top-ranked defense.
“He came in, learned our system quickly, and made plays from day one,” Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “Guys like Kyle don’t grow on trees. He’s seen it all, and that experience is invaluable.”
Baltimore has since re-signed Van Noy for another year, ensuring that his leadership, production, and football IQ remain on a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
Mentorship Role
Van Noy’s presence in the locker room is almost as valuable as his impact on the field. Younger players like Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo have credited Van Noy with helping them adjust to the league.
“He’s like a coach who still plays,” Oweh said. “He’ll tell you exactly what’s coming based on one look from the offense. It’s crazy.”
Van Noy takes pride in mentoring younger teammates, saying that passing down knowledge is one of his favorite parts of the job now.
“If I can help a young guy become a Pro Bowler one day, that’s just as rewarding as sacking a quarterback myself.”
Retirement Clock Still Ticking?
Despite returning for another campaign, Van Noy admitted that retirement is not far from his mind. He’s day-to-day, year-to-year—and fully aware that his time in the league is winding down.
“Every year now could be the last,” he said. “I’ve accepted that. But while I’m still here, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
He’s also laying the groundwork for life after football. Van Noy and his wife run the Van Noy Valor Foundation, a nonprofit supporting adopted children, foster youth, and those in underserved communities. He has expressed interest in broadcasting, front-office work, and even coaching at some point.
“Football won’t be the last chapter, but it’s still my favorite one,” Van Noy said with a smile.
Kyle Van Noy’s decision to return in 2025 was not automatic. It was deeply personal, full of faith, family conversations, and tough self-reflection. But his love for the game, his health, and his drive to go out on his own terms ultimately tipped the scales.
In a league where careers are short and longevity is rare, Van Noy remains a blueprint for sustained excellence—on and off the field. His journey from draft disappointment in Detroit to Super Bowl champion and locker room leader is the kind of arc that earns respect from players and coaches across the NFL.
He may not be playing forever. But as long as Kyle Van Noy is out there on Sundays, you can bet he’s giving it everything he has—one thoughtful, faithful, and ferocious season at a time.
