Chargers News: Justin Herbert shares emotional message for Mike Williams after retirement announcement

Justin Herbert will be without a key teammate for the 2025 NFL season. Mike Williams has decided to retire from football, prompting the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback to issue an emotional message about his longtime target’s departure.

The Chargers’ 2025 plans have suddenly shifted. Mike Williams was originally expected to be the team’s WR2, but now someone else will need to step up and fill that role.

Out of nowhere, Williams announced that he will retire and not play this upcoming season. In response, Justin Herbert shared a heartfelt message after losing one of his most trusted weapons.

Justin Herbert gets real about Mike Williams’ unexpected retirement

Mike Williams has been a crucial asset for Justin Herbert since the quarterback’s arrival in 2020. Although the wide receiver left the Chargers in 2024, he returned earlier this year with plans to finish his career in Los Angeles.

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After spending the 2024 season with both the Jets and the Steelers, Williams agreed to rejoin the Chargers in March 2025. However, he ultimately decided to walk away from the game and retire.

The news came as a big blow to the Chargers. The team brought Williams back to add depth and leadership to the receiver room, but now Herbert will have to move forward without one of his most reliable targets.

On Thursday, Mike Williams officially announced his retirement. Shortly after, Justin Herbert issued a touching message to one of the top wide receivers he’s played with in his career.

Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card playoff game.

“I want what’s best for Mike. He’s always been there for us, and we’re going to be there for him,” Herbert said in his Thursday press conference. “It’s obviously a tough situation, and I’ve got so much respect for him as a teammate, as a friend, as a receiver, as a player, and the man that he is.

“We’re going to be there for him however we can help. Football, at the end of the day, is a game and there’s more to life than just football. I’m just hoping for the best for him.”

Who are the wide receivers for the Chargers?

Mike Williams’ retirement will certainly impact the Chargers, but it’s not the end of the road for their offense. Fortunately, the team addressed the position well during the offseason.

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As it stands, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris are expected to lead the Chargers’ receiving corps. It’s a solid group that should give Justin Herbert the tools he needs to keep the offense competitive in 2025.