Current Status
As of 2025, Richard Sherman is not currently an active player in the National Football League (NFL). He last played in the league during the 2023 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has not signed with a team for the 2024 or 2025 seasons. The veteran cornerback has not announced a definitive retirement, but he has been away from active rosters for multiple years, indicating he is no longer pursuing an active playing career.
Career Context and Timeline
Richard Sherman entered the NFL after a standout college career at Stanford and spent over a decade in the league, primarily with the Seattle Seahawks. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and briefly returned with the Los Angeles Rams before a final stop with Tampa Bay. Understanding his recent playing history helps clarify his current status and what, if any, future in football might look like.
Key Career and Recent Milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | drafted in the 5th round by the Seattle Seahawks | NFL Draft Record |
| 2014 | selected to the Pro Bowl and named First-Team All-Pro | League Awards and Honors |
| 2021 | signed with the Los Angeles Rams midseason | Team Transaction Report |
| 2022 | joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year contract | Team Transaction Report |
| 2023 | appeared in 11 games with the Buccaneers, recording 27 tackles and 2 passes defended | NFL Playing Time and Stats |
| 2024–2025 | no active roster appearances; has not signed with an NFL team | Roster and Transaction Records |
Playing Status and Roster Information
Sherman is not listed on any NFL active, practice, or injured reserve rosters for the 2025 season. Teams are not carrying him, and he has not indicated plans to seek a roster spot. In the NFL, remaining on a roster requires either active signings or practice squad assignments; the absence of either confirms he is not currently playing at the professional level.
Physical and Performance Factors
At 37 years old as of the 2025 season, Sherman has dealt with injuries that have affected his availability and performance in recent years. While he maintained a high level of play during his Seahawks prime, the natural physical decline that follows decades of professional competition contributes to roster decisions. Age and durability are relevant factors when assessing whether a veteran continues on a team’s depth chart.
Future Possibilities and Next Steps
Although Sherman has not retired publicly, the on-field outlook for a return in 2025 is low without a team signing him. Possible paths include a formal retirement announcement, remaining unsigned while staying open to conversations, or pursuing opportunities outside the NFL, such as alternative professional leagues or media roles. For now, the most accurate status is that he is no longer an active player.
Quick Comparison
The table below compares Sherman’s recent seasons with key teams and on-field contributions to highlight why he is not on an active roster today.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 16 | 52 tackles, 1 pass defensed |
| 2023 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 11 | 27 tackles, 2 passes defended |
| 2024 | No team | 0 | did not sign with an NFL roster |
| 2025 | No team | 0 | no active roster assignment |
Summary Takeaways
- Richard Sherman is not actively playing in the NFL as of the 2025 season.
- His last professional season was 2023 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- He has not announced retirement, but has not been on a roster for two full seasons.
- Age and recent injury history are key factors in his current status.
- Without a new signing, the likelihood of a return to playing is low.
What This Means Going Forward
For fans and followers, it is reasonable to treat Sherman’s career as concluded on the field unless he surprises with a new signing and rapid roster climb. His post-playing career may increasingly focus on broadcasting, mentorship, and business ventures. Staying updated on team transactions and official announcements remains the best way to confirm any change to this status.