Blake Griffin Announces Retirement From NBA: ‘I’m Thankful For Every Single Moment’

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin Announces Retirement From NBA: ‘I’m Thankful For Every Single Moment’

Professional athlete Blake Griffin has officially entered his retirement era.

Today (Apr. 16) The 35-year-old forward shared via a statement with his 3.8 Million Instagram followers that he’s “done” with his basketball career. In the moving post, he said,

“I never envisioned myself as the guy who would have a “letter to basketball” retirement announcement… and I’m still not going to be that guy. But as I reflected on my career, the one feeling I kept coming back to and the one thing ! wanted to express was thankfulness. I’m thankful for every single moment-not just the good ones: the wins, the awards, the dunks, and the memorable times spent with family, friends, fans, teammates, and coaches.”

Blake Griffin played college basketball for the University of Oklahoma and declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year. In 2009, he was selected as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. He spent over 7 years with the team and made the All-Star team 6 times before taking his talents to the Detroit Pistons in 2018. He also had brief stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics and spent the 2023-24 season as a free agent.

Blake Griffin

He continued his caption,

“I could continue on about the people in my life who have contributed immensely to my career, but in this short non-letter, I have to acknowledge my parents, Tommy and Gail, and my brother, Taylor, for their unconditional support and guidance. Lastly, my agent Sam Goldfeder, who has been a steadfast voice of reason and my wartime consigliere thank you.”

Blake Griffin added,

“I am equally thankful for the not-so-good moments: the losses, the injuries, the wayyyy too many surgeries, the lessons, the heartbreaks, and it wouldn’t be sports retirement letter without acknowledging the “haters.” All of these experiences made my 14 years in the league truly unforgettable, and I can’t help but to just feel thankful. The game of basketball has given me so much in this life, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Last but certainly not least, here comes the obligatory I’m excited for my next chapter part: just kidding, I’m done. Thank you.”

Are you sad to see Blake Griffin step away from the NBA? What college players are you excited to see be drafted this year? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!