After dedicating over a quarter-century to the sport he loves, veteran wide receiver Robert Woods has decided to hang up his cleats. The 33-year-old officially announced his retirement from professional football on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on a 13-year NFL journey that saw him evolve from a promising second-round draft pick into a reliable veteran and Super Bowl champion.
Woods chose to formalize his departure by signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the Los Angeles Rams, the franchise where he experienced the most successful stretch of his professional career. This symbolic gesture allowed him to retire as a member of the organization that provided him with his most memorable moments on the gridiron.
In a heartfelt message shared across his social media platforms, Woods reflected on the profound impact football has had on his life. "After 27 unforgettable years of pouring my heart into this game, and 13 incredible years in the NFL, it's time for me to step away from playing the sport that has given me everything," he wrote. The veteran emphasized that football represented far more than mere competition to him—it was his passion, his purpose, and the realization of a lifelong dream. He expressed gratitude for every moment his cleats touched the grass, vowing to leave a piece of himself in every snap he played.
The California native's path to NFL retirement began when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Spending his first four professional seasons in Western New York, Woods established himself as a dependable target, developing the precise route-running skills and sure hands that would become his trademark throughout his career. While his time with the Bills didn't produce eye-popping statistics, it laid the foundation for what was to come.
The trajectory of Woods' career changed dramatically in 2017 when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent. The move brought him back to his home state and, more poignantly, to the same stadium where he had starred as a consensus All-American at the University of Southern California. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum served as the Rams' temporary home from 2016 to 2019, allowing Woods to play his home games on the same field where he had once dominated as a Trojan.
Under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, Woods flourished in the Rams' offensive system. He developed into a favorite target for quarterback Jared Goff, forming a formidable receiving corps alongside Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp. The 2018 and 2019 seasons represented the pinnacle of his individual production, as he posted consecutive 1,000-yard receiving campaigns—an achievement that cemented his status as a top-tier wideout in the league.
What made Woods' success particularly noteworthy was his methodology. Never considered a physically imposing or overwhelmingly gifted athlete in terms of size or speed, he carved out his niche through exceptional fundamentals and technical polish. His ability to run crisp, precise routes and his reliability in catching passes made him an invaluable asset to his quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. He was the type of receiver who could be counted on to convert crucial third downs and make the routine plays look effortless.
The culmination of Woods' time with the Rams came in his final season with the team when he helped lead the franchise to a Super Bowl victory. The championship ring he earned represented the ultimate validation for a player who had built his career on consistency, professionalism, and team-first mentality. While others might have grabbed more headlines, Woods' contributions to that title run were integral to the team's success.
Following his successful stint in Los Angeles, Woods spent the 2022 season with the Tennessee Titans before playing his final NFL games with the Houston Texans in 2024. He had a brief association with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, but was released on September 2nd before appearing in any regular season contests for the team. This final chapter, while less glamorous than his Rams years, demonstrated the respect he still commanded around the league as a veteran presence.
When examining the full scope of his career, the numbers tell a story of sustained productivity. Woods amassed 683 receptions for 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns over his 13 seasons. While he never reached the statistical heights of the league's elite receivers, his ability to maintain a high level of play over more than a decade speaks to his work ethic and adaptability.
His retirement announcement resonated with fans and teammates alike, many of whom knew him by his nickname "Bobby Trees"—a playful moniker that became synonymous with his steady, grounded presence on and off the field. The decision to retire as a Ram, despite spending only five seasons with the franchise, underscores the deep connection he felt to the organization and the city.
Woods' journey from USC standout to NFL veteran represents a full-circle moment. He began his football story in California, ventured across the country to Buffalo, returned home to achieve his greatest professional successes, and now concludes his narrative back where it all started. His legacy will be defined not by spectacular highlight-reel plays, but by the quiet consistency and professional approach he brought to his craft every single day.
As the NFL continues to evolve with younger, faster, and more physically gifted athletes entering the league each season, Woods' career serves as a testament to the enduring value of fundamental excellence and mental preparation. He proved that success at the highest level doesn't always require extraordinary physical gifts—sometimes, mastering the basics and approaching the game with the right mindset is enough to build a lasting career.
The signing of the one-day contract represents more than just paperwork; it's a final tribute to a player who gave everything to the sport. For Rams fans, it's a chance to celebrate one of the key contributors to their Super Bowl triumph. For Woods, it's the perfect ending to a storybook career that spanned nearly three decades from youth football to the NFL's biggest stage.