The Washington Commanders have announced that Ahkello Witherspoon, their cornerback, is retiring from the NFL at the age of 31. The team placed Witherspoon on the Reserve/Retired List and signed Fabian Moreau as his replacement. On Monday, Witherspoon participated in practice before informing the team of his decision to retire the following morning, as reported by ESPN.
Witherspoon had signed a one-year contract valued at $1.41 million with the Commanders in May but will not play for them in the upcoming season.
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon playing against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz., on December 7, 2025. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
During his college career at Colorado, Witherspoon was a standout defensive back. Over 37 games, he accrued 71 tackles, three interceptions, 27 passes defended, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. In his senior year, he led Division I college football with 22 passes defended.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Witherspoon in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, where he became an integral part of their secondary. He started in 33 of the 47 games he played with the 49ers, tallying 117 tackles and four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and 24 passes defended.
After his tenure with the 49ers, Witherspoon signed with the Seattle Seahawks but was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before playing a game for Seattle. During his two seasons in Pittsburgh, Witherspoon appeared in 13 games, starting seven, and recorded 35 tackles and four interceptions.
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon breaking up a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on December 22, 2024. (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect)
Witherspoon then joined the Los Angeles Rams, signing three consecutive one-year contracts. His standout performance came in his first year with the Rams as he started all 17 games, amassing 52 tackles and three interceptions.
Over his career, Witherspoon started 64 of the 96 games he played. He recorded 243 tackles, 13 interceptions, and defended 60 passes.
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Ryan Canfield serves as a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.