Former Michigan football player surprisingly retires from NFL

Trente Jones had some up-and-down moments during his Michigan football career. But during the 2024 season, he was an essential part of the Wolverines winning the national championship.

Jones started all three postseason games for Michigan football this past season and held up extremely well in the Rose Bowl against future first-round pick Dallas Turner from Alabama.

Jones also proved to be an excellent run blocker too. Michigan used him as an extra blocker routinely when he wasn’t playing guard or tackle and he was exceptional in that role.

Trent Jones has retired from the NFL

With the way he played at the end of the season, I thought there was a decent chance Jones would get drafted. The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle could have returned to Michigan football for another season but entered the draft. He didn’t get selected, however, the Green Bay Packers signed him as a rookie free agent.

With their history of utilizing versatile offensive linemen, it felt like Jones landed in the perfect spot. The Packers also aren’t afraid of keeping a rookie-free agent.

The Packers started a former seventh-round pick at left tackle last season. Yet, the Packers announced on Monday that they had placed Jones on the reserve/retired list.

It means that the organization retains his rights in the NFL but Jones has decided to retire from football. Jones can always re-consider and if he does, the Packers could either put him back on their roster or release him.

Either way, Trente Jones was a great Michigan football player and the Wolverines wouldn’t have won the national championship last season without his contributions.