Pro Bowler Brandon Scherff quietly retires from NFL at 33 after $111 million in career earnings

 

By Christian Arnold

Published Aug. 14, 2025, 5:41 p.m. ET

A five-time Pro Bowl guard quietly retired earlier this year and it only came out after it was reported on in a spotlight feature done by his alma mater. 

Brandon Scherff retired from the NFL this summer after 10 years in the NFL, a 2025 Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame spotlight feature reported. 

Scherff had played seven seasons with the Washington Commanders organization, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Brandon Scherff (68) started every NFL game he played across 10 seasons, including his final three, which were play with the Jacksonville Jaguars.Getty Images

The NFL All-Pro — who earned the nod in 2020 — spent his last three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

All told, he made over $111 million over the life of four contract per Spotrac, three with Washington and his final deal with Jacksonville, a three-year, $49.5 million pact in 2022.D

“It’s been something I could never dream of,” he said in the feature. “Sometimes I would tell my wife that she has to pinch me, because I’m playing a kid’s game, and being able to do it as a job is pretty amazing. Now, having kids and being able to see them after games is absolutely wonderful. So I would say it’s a dream come true. And I will be forever grateful to have had that chance.”

In a post on X, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that teams had been told in the spring that he was retiring. 

Scherff was the No. 5 overall pick in 2015 by Washington and during the course of his decade in the league, he played in — and started — 140 games. 

Brandon Scherff retires from the NFL as a one-time NFL All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl honoree due to his performance on the offensive line.Getty Images

Scherff, a native of Iowa, was essential to Jacksonville’s surprising run to the AFC Divisional Round in the 2022 playoffs.

He will turn 34 years old this coming December.

https://nypost.com/2025/08/14/sports/pro-bowler-brandon-scherff-quietly-retires-after-111-million-career-earnings/

NFL Highest Paid Guard: Brandon Scherff

 

https://x.com/corryjoel/status/1878610024899215806

The 5 best NFL first-round picks in Iowa Hawkeye history since 2000

 

These Hawkeyes made a name for themselves in Iowa City before becoming icons at the next level.

By Jacob Harrison | Apr 15, 2024

New Orleans Saints v Minnesota Vikings / Stephen Maturen/GettyImages

 

The Iowa Hawkeyes have produced some incredible talents for the NFL over the years. Many of those players went overlooked and were drafted a bit later than maybe they should have been.

 

But that doesn't mean the Hawkeyes only produce hidden gems. Iowa has seen 26 players selected in the first round all-time. They'll look to add one more at the 2024 NFL Draft as Cooper DeJean projects to be selected on Day One.

Many of those 26 players have gone on to have fantastic careers, but a surge of great talents this side of the millennia has been particularly special. Half of those first-round picks have come since 2000 and nearly all of them have produced as advertised. A select few have been even better.

In ranking the five best Iowa first-rounders, we'll look at the contributions of the former Hawkeyes both as an individual and in helping bring team success.

No. 5 Chad Greenway

Linebacker Chad Greenway was the 17th-overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He spent his entire career in Minnesota and, from a national perspective, was a woefully underappreciated player throughout his nine-year career.

This is largely because the Vikings weren't very good for most of his career. The two Brett Favre years in Minnesota allowed for some team success, especially in 2009 when the Vikings reached the NFC Championship.

However, in six of his seasons in Minnesota, the Vikings posted a .500 record or worse.

This hampered his ability to garner much national recognition as he scored two Pro Bowls in his career. A lot of media attention instead went to the Vikings' impressive defensive line, led by Jared Allen.

For his career, Greenway posted 1,103 total tackles, 62 for a loss with 18 sacks. He also forced eight fumbles and recovered 11 of his own. Greenway also scored on two of his 11 career interceptions.

Off the field, Greenway was the recipient of the 2014 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award given annually to a player who goes above and beyond to perform community service in his hometown and team city.

No. 4 TJ Hockenson

When fans think of why Iowa is called TE-U, it's often because of George Kittle, but truthfully it has a lot to do with TJ Hockenson. Hockenson was selected No. 8 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft. A few picks later at No. 20 TE Noah Fant was also selected out of Iowa.

Hockenson has lived up to the billing of a top-10 selection in the draft in his first five seasons. He's easily regarded as one of the top five players at his position in the league.

Still, team success has eluded Hockenson since joining the NFL. The Lions were terrible throughout his run in Detroit and he was shockingly traded to the division rival Minnesota Vikings during the 2022 season. Detroit has since surged into one of the best teams in the NFC while Minnesota has fallen from grace after a strong season in 2022 was thwarted in the Wild Card round.

Hockenson will move forward as one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league. Still, there's a giant question mark as to who will be throwing him the ball in 2024 and beyond. Nonetheless, despite the Vikings' disastrous season in 2023, Hockenson posted career highs in receptions with 95 and yards with 960.

For his career, Hockenson has caught 341 passes for 3,547 yards and 23 touchdowns. That has earned him two Pro Bowls early in his career, and he should earn a few more with time.

No. 3 Brandon Scherff

Brandon Scherff has long been one of the best guards in football since going No. 5 overall to the Washington Commanders in the 2015 NFL Draft. During the lead-up to that year's draft, there was talk that Scherff could be the No. 1 overall pick as a tackle.

But landing at guard may have been the best for him as he's carved out a strong career for himself.

Through nine seasons, Scherff has been named to five Pro Bowls, the most of any player on this list. He was also named First-Team All-Pro in 2020. Before the offensive guard market was turned on its head in the 2024 offseason, Scherff was one of the highest-paid players at his position.

Unfortunately, team success has not followed Scherff in the NFL. In five of his seven seasons with Washington, his teams finished with a losing record, and only made the playoffs in his rookie season. In two years with Jacksonville, he's since won his first playoff game, but the team took a step back in 2023 leaving a bold question mark moving forward.

Still, Scherff's contributions in both years in Jacksonville have shown that even at 33 years old, he's still got plenty in the tank. If he continues to play at a high level for a handful of years longer, he could find himself as a fringe Hall of Fame candidate based on his play alone.

No. 2 Tristian Wirfs

Tristian Wirfs instantly became one of the NFL's best right tackles once he was selected 13th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 NFL Draft.

With the Bucs signing plenty of weapons for Tom Brady, Wirfs was brought in to help keep the legend upright and he performed even better than what could reasonably be expected. Tampa Bay won Super Bowl LV with the rookie Wirfs leading the charge in the running game and pass protection.

In 2021, Pro Football Reference indicates by its Approximate Value score that Wirfs was the best player on the team for the Buccaneers. He was gifted the first of his three Pro Bowls to date and his first All-Pro selection as a result.

Wirfs hasn't even signed his second contract yet, but when he does it will most likely be the most expensive right tackle contract in the NFL. With such a strong start to his career, the best may be yet to come for this Hawkeye.

No. 1 Dallas Clark

As if there could be another selection. Dallas Clark was drafted 24th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 2003 and quickly became one of Peyton Manning's favorite targets in an offense that was already stacked with weapons.

Clark played in the NFL Playoffs in each of his first eight seasons. Manning's neck injury in 2011 led to Clark's final season in Indy to be largely forgettable and his one-season stints in Tampa Bay and Baltimore weren't enough to get those teams into the postseason.

Still, Clark is likely a Hall of Famer one day. Despite just one Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection to his name, Clark was a star for the Colts' prolific offense that reached two Super Bowls, including the win over Chicago in Super Bowl XLI.

For his career, Clark caught 505 passes for 5,665 yards and 53 touchdowns.

While it took a decade and a half after his selection for Iowa to earn the distinction of TE-U, it all got started with Clark in 2003. His impressive career makes him easily the best first-round pick since 2000 for Iowa. All-time, likely only Alex Karras had a better career as a first-round Hawkeye in the NFL.

 

5 Jaguars players with a strong chance to make the Pro Bowl in 2023

 

By Carlos Sanchez | 6:00 AM EDT

 

The Jacksonville Jaguars went through a rough stretch early in the season but they've bounced back and won four games in a row. The defense has certainly been the talk of the town but the offense has also done their part to ensure the Jags are in a position to win week in and week out.

To coaching staff certainly deserves credit for Jacksonville's recent success but they wouldn't be where they are if they weren't for its players. After all, there's only so much a coach can do, it's up to the players to deliver and these five most definitely have. In fact, they should have a realistic shot at making the Pro Bowl.

No. 5 Jaguars player with a chance to make the Pro Bowl in 2023: Brandon Scherff, RG

Right guard Brandon Scherff is no stranger to the Pro Bowl, having earned a selection five times, along with a First-Team All-Pro designation during his seven-year stint with the Washington Commanders. He joined the Jags in 2022 in managed to play every game, a feat he hadn't achieved since 2016. However, he also dealt with an abdomen injury throughout most of the offseason that hindered his performance.

https://twitter.com/PFF_Jaguars/status/1711476656123134092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1711476656123134092%7Ctwgr%5E207e7faed30b61f523400148979f432876d437a8%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fblackandteal.com%2Fposts%2F5-jaguars-players-strong-chance-make-pro-bowl-evan-engram-josh-allen

Scherff was healthy to start the 2023 and it showed in his performance. It's true that he struggled against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 but has otherwise played at a high level. In fact, he didn't allow a single pressure in Weeks 4 and 5. He's currently dealing with a knee injury but he still managed to play at a high level against the New Orleans Saints.

Jaguars announce captains for 2023 season

 

• The Jaguars have selected their team captains for 2023

• Andrew Wingard was one of the 5 players that got the nod

By Carlos Sanchez | Sep 5, 2023

Being named team captain is one of the biggest honors NFL players can get. This means your teammates look up to you and see you as a positive influence. For this reason, it's great to see Jacksonville Jaguars players name safety Andrew Wingard a captain for the 2023 season.

The Jaguars just announced their team captains for next season and Wingard was one of the five players that got the illustrious distinction. The other four are linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, right guard Brandon Scherff and defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris.

This is the third straight season Lawrence's been a captain while this is Oluokun's and Scherff's second nod. On the other hand, this will be Roberton-Harrison's and Wingard's first time getting the designation.

Lawrence's selection doesn't come as a surprise. The offense runs through him and as the starting quarterback, he's got the biggest impact in the outcome of the game. His calm demeanor, in conjunction with his competitive drive, makes him the perfect leader for the Jaguars.

Oluoukun, for his part, has proven he's worthy of the captain moniker. He became a key cog on defense but also provided leadership during the offseason. While most veterans were excused from mandatory workouts, the Yale product still showed up to provide guidance to his younger teammates. That's what leaders do, and Jacksonville has a good one in Olokun.

On the other hand, it was encouraging to see Robertson-Harrison and Wingard be named captains. It shows the Jaguars value things besides your performance on the football field. Make no mistake, both Robertson-Harrison and Wingard are fine players but they got selected because of the impact they have in the locker room.

In particular, Wingard is currently the top backup at safety, so it would be odd at first sight to see him be named team captain. However, a closer look shows he's a vocal leader who will help his teammates unveil the best version of themselves.

 

It was Dewey the one who suggested veteran players support rookie head coach Urban Meyer and a young Trevor Lawrence back in 2021. He was threatened for it but it's the thought that matters and the veteran safety has shown he'll do anything to help the Jaguars win. Here's the team announcement of their captains for the 2023 season.

How Jaguars’ 1st Rounder Anton Harrison Is Transitioning to Right Tackle

 

The 21-year-old is impressing coaches and teammates early on in his transition to the right side.

JOHN SHIPLEY

14 HOURS AGO (May 31, 2023)

 

When Anton Harrison took his first collegiate start at right tackle, he did it with zero practice reps at the spot. 

His first NFL start on the right side will be a complete 180, with the Jaguars preparing Harrison months in advance for his switch to the right side. 

"It's going good, just taking it day by day, like you said, just being in one spot. So I'm at right tackle every day just getting better at it, perfecting my craft. Just taking it day by day," Harrison told Jaguar Report after practice on Tuesday. "It is going good."

Harrison started 23 games at left tackle for Oklahoma over the last two seasons, standing out as one of the nation's top pass protectors at an early age. His first reps with the Jaguars will be at a position he has just one start under his belt, starting at right tackle opposite of veteran left tackles Walker Little and Cam Robinson.

But it is a transition Harrison and the Jaguars have been confident about from Day One. Harrison is a player the Jaguars fell in love with during the draft process thanks to his athleticism, makeup, and long-term potential as a versatile and efficient pass-blocker. 

And through Harrison's first month as a full-time right tackle, he hasn't disappointed. 

"Anton's a smart guy. He's really, I listened to Coach Rausher in his meetings and he'll call on Anton, he's got the answers, he spits it out and now it's just a matter of just speeding it up on the field," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said on Tuesday. It's the NFL and things happen a little bit faster. So he's done a nice job."

"It is big I say just to be able to come on here and play ball. Having the mental part and playbook part down just staying my books, staying ready when my number's called, being out there and be able to perform," Harrison said. 

"So that's big for me to keep doing that so I'm just gonna play ball and do what I do."

The youngest member of the Jaguars' starting offensive line, Harrison has no shortage of valuable resources inside the offensive line room. And so far, the No. 27 overall pick has been the kind of willing learner the Jaguars need him to be if he is to be a rookie starter in Week 1.

"Coach is always saying ask anything. No question is a bad question. So just always going to them if any questions I have just trying to get everything down," Harrison said. 

Among the veterans Harrison will be able to pick up tools of the trade from are Robinson, Little, and Josh Wells. Among them, the three have started 111 games at offensive tackle. Those are years of experience Harrison can draw from throughout the offseason, something the rookie seems more than willing to do.

"They have been great. They are always just harping on me, teaching me things, helping me like get the playbook down really," Harrison said. 

"Just teaching me the little things to help me be my best on the field. So those guys I lean on, try to get everything from them, because I see them on Sundays and doing what they do. So I'm just trying to get where they are."

Then there is the Brandon Scherff factor. Scherff was one of the most important pieces to Luke Fortner's success as a rookie, offering a reliable and steady presence on and off the field at right guard.

A year later, the Jaguars hope Scherff's presence will do the same for Harrison and his switch to right tackle.

"It's huge. I mean it's huge. It's critical. It's a lot of communication that goes on up front as you know. And Brandon really kind of can help calm him down just a little bit and kind of point him in the right direction," Pederson said.

"Brandon's done a nice job working next to him and that'll be a really good combination to continue to work.”

"It has been big. Growing up watching him, an All-Pro. Great person off the field, on the field, a great person to lean on and learn from. Always talking, always getting knowledge for you," Harrison said. "So that is big for me, just coming in playing next to a guy like that is definitely just a huge bonus."

When Week 1 comes around, the Jaguars will need Harrison to be ready to start at right tackle. And if his preparation in May and the veteran presence around him mean anything, then their rookie tackle is in good hands. 

Commanders Ex Brandon Scherff Leads Jaguars to AFC South Title - NFL Tracker

 

Follow along with Commander Country as we keep you up to date with all firings, hirings, and breaking news in the NFL.

COMMANDER COUNTRY STAFF

17 HOURS AGO (January 7, 2023)

 

JAN 7 SCHERFF, JAGS MAKE PLAYOFFS The Washington Commanders may not be in the playoffs this year, but a familiar face will be.

After the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans Saturday night, offensive lineman Brandon Scherff punched his ticket to the playoffs. He started every game for the Jaguars this season.

Scherff played for Washington from 2015-21, and now makes his third playoff appearance.

 

Jaguars OG Brandon Scherff helping teammates the way he was in Washington

 

by Carlos Sanchez | October 10, 2022

 

Losing isn’t fun and the Jacksonville Jaguars should be ticked off after dropping games in back-to-back weeks. However, not everything has been doom and gloom for the Jags and one of their bright spots has been the play of right guard Brandon Scherff, who’s quickly become a mainstay of their offensive line and has helped mentor his young teammates.

Scherff met with the local media following Jacksonville’s Week 5 loss and said he’s trying to do for his teammates what other Washinton Commanders players did for him when he was a rookie.

I’m just trying to do what — I know I’ve said this before — like Trent Williams, Kory Lichtensteiger, Shawn Lauvao, Morgan Moses, all those guys did for me”, Scherff said. “If I had a question as a rookie coming in, you think you’re gonna get not hazed but you have little room to talk, so I just told you, if you have a question, ask it. Don’t be afraid to ask. There are no stupid questions because we all have to be on the same page in order for us to collectively do our job for everybody behind us.”

Scherff then went on to praise Jaguars rookie center Luke Fortner, whom he describes as a heck of a player, “he’s really smart, he’s done a great job and we’re just happy that he’s there for us”.

A first-round pick by the Commanders in the 2015 NFL Draft, Scherff signed a three-year deal worth $49.5 million in free agency. So far, he’s avoided injuries and has started every single game. During his seven-year stint in Washington, he made the Pro Bowl five times and earned a First-Team All-Pro designation. Here’s his whole exchange with the media.

Brandon Scherff will be invaluable during the Jaguars’ losing streak

The Jaguars have hit a speed bump and are currently riding a two-game losing skid following wins in consecutive weeks. Yet, Scherff isn’t panicking and instead thinks they can turn things around.

“Just continue to stick with the plan. We’ve been in every game that we’ve lost. So just go back look at the film, which we did, and don’t get down. We have 12 more games, so just continue to stick with the plan. It’s all about sticking together. That’s what it is. And that’s what we’re going to do”, Scherff said.

All things considered, Scherff is taking the right approach. The Jaguars need to get back to work and fix those mistakes that played a role in the losses. Also, the Jaguars have plenty of time to right the ship, as Scheff alluded.

Should there be a sense of urgency in the locker room? Certainly, but it’s too early to start talking about next season when you take into account that the Jags have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and all their losses this season have come by eight points or fewer.

The Jaguars will next play the Indianapolis Colts. They already beat them once this year and a win in Indy would be a sign they have what it takes to turn things around.

Lawrence credits Scherff for ‘elevating’ Jaguars’ O-line

 

16H AGO (September 9, 2022)

/BY BIJAN TODD

 

 

For the first time in his eight-year NFL career, Brandon Scherff will suit up for a game at FedEx Field, but not for the home side. Washington’s former All-Pro offensive guard is gearing up for his first season outside of D.C. as his Jacksonville Jaguars make the trek up north for a Week 1 matchup vs. the Commanders on Sunday.

While Scherff brings a veteran presence to Jacksonville’s offense, second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence will line up behind Scherff with still much to prove in the pro ranks. Lawrence noted the impact Scherff’s arrival has had on the Jaguars’ offensive line leading up to Sunday’s game.

“I just think [the line has] the right mindset. I think Scherff coming in really has elevated the whole group, you know,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “It’s a lot of the same guys that have been here, but bringing in him and just his veteran presence—but also just his work ethic and the way he attacks every day.”

Scherff, 30, bolstered Washington’s offensive line for the first seven seasons of his professional career out of Iowa. His immovability at right guard earned him five Pro Bowl selections and one First Team All-Pro nod in 2020. 

The Commanders franchise tagged Scherff for the final two seasons of his tenure in Washington, giving him more leverage to leave. He signed with the Jaguars in March.

With Trevor Lawrence eager to break out and prove he was deserving of being drafted No. 1 overall last spring, Scherff’s arrival could be a big boost in his quest.

“[He’s] always ready to go, never complains, just has that grit. He’s a little bit nasty,” Lawrence said of Scherff. “That’s something that those guys see and have seen it all OTAs and camp. To see a guy who’s had as much success as he’s had on his eighth season I believe, and still brings that intensity every day, I think it’s elevated the whole group.”

Scherff was also asked earlier this week about his return to Washington. He praised several members of the Commanders’ defensive line but didn’t overhype the gravity of his particular situation. He did note, though, that playing in Landover but not in Burgundy & Gold will be ‘really weird.’

Jacksonville finished 2021 as the NFL’s worst team with a 3-14 record. Bringing Scherff in was a move intended to bulk up their O-line as well as boost the tenacity of the unit. Lawrence took note of that dynamic as well.

“Offensively, I think we’re a really hard-nosed team up front that can run the ball,” Lawrence said, alluding to the line’s improved grit with Scherff in town.

Highest-Paid Offensive Players by Position - Brandon Scherff

 

Jun 17, 2022

Tom Brady’s easy Super Bowl path, NFL execs share top free-agent deals

 

by Matt Lombardo (March 24, 2022)

The 10 best free-agent signings made so far

The NFL sought to by moving the Super Bowl back one week truncate the offseason to create 24/7 buzz and fill the news cycle to the brim in its constant march to becoming a 12-month per year American centerpiece.

If the first two weeks of free agency are any indication, mission accomplished.

Four blockbuster quarterback trades have already gone down, two of the premier players at the position are returning to their Super Bowl-caliber teams, dozens of Pro Bowlers and All-Pro players have changed zip codes. And we haven’t even reached the NFL Draft.

These are the 10 free agent signings that — at least in my opinion — have the potential to make the most impact, with insight from coaches, scouts, and executives from across the NFL:

Brandon Scherff, OG, Jacksonville Jaguars

For the Jaguars, this offseason was all about making amends with franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence for his tumultuous rookie season, especially all the drama surrounding former head coach Urban Meyer.

Jacksonville came out swinging, not only signing wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones to mega-deals to bolster Lawrence’s supporting cast, but also added one of the top offensive guards in the league, All-Pro Brandon Scherff, to keep last year’s No. 1 overall pick upright.

“Scherff is one of the top two or three offensive guards in the game,” an AFC coach tells FanSided. “He’s physical. He’s smart. He’s the best puller and out in space guard that there is in today’s NFL.”