NFL Media Salutes Legendary Writer Peter King After Retirement Announcement

The Sports Illustrated and NBC veteran spent four decades covering pro football, but he now writes “it’s time” for him to move on.

Longtime NFL journalist Peter King announced his retirement from the industry, for now, on Monday morning.

“I’m retiring*. I use an asterisk because I truly don’t know what the future holds for me,” King wrote in a Football Morning in America piece. “I probably will work at something, but as I write this I have no idea what it will be. Maybe it will be something in the media world, but just not Football Morning in America (nee Monday Morning Quarterback).”

King provided four reasons as to why he felt like retirement was the right decision for him now. At 66, King wrote that “it’s time” to do something different. He also noted his family as one of the main reasons he’s retiring.

King said he hasn’t been able to watch a Super Bowl on TV in four decades because he’s worked the game in person since he was 27. He clarified that he isn’t complaining and that he’s very grateful, but he thinks it’s time to move on.

The legendary reporter worked for Sports Illustrated from 1989 to 2018 before he moved to NBC Sports.

Fellow NFL media members posted meaningful tributes and messages of gratitude to the legendary writer after his four decades in the industry. 

Maybe the most fitting thing about this is how many people he helped/mentored over the years he’s working to promote in the column. I’m one who could never do enough to repay him. And hopefully we can all do the only thing he ever asked—help someone else.

Thank you, @peter_king. https://t.co/EtXcTGX5cS

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 26, 2024

Peter King puts a - 30 - on an incredible run. As a longtime writer of a notes column, I’ve always been in awe of his longevity and productivity. So glad I got to sit next to him for USC-CU in the fall and pick his brain. https://t.co/rzOI7ZvqSm

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) February 26, 2024

One of the best to ever do it walks away. https://t.co/L6azk9PsrW

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2024

An iconic run for @peter_king. Football fans have been so fortunate for so long to wake up each Monday morning to your column with unparalleled insight into all things NFL. Congratulations, Peter! https://t.co/zjK3DzYJyA

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 26, 2024

On behalf of myself and all the other young(ish) reporters @peter_king supported over the years … thank you. And best of luck in retirement*. https://t.co/MxcxGOFWRN

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 26, 2024

What a remarkable run for one of the nicest, warmest, respected, most giving to others force in NFL media I’ve been fortunate to meet and call a friend.

One of the many things I know I know about the great @peter_king https://t.co/npEIe1LKN0

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) February 26, 2024

An NFL media landscape without @peter_king seems unfathomable. Thanks for all you did for the writers and reporters that followed your footsteps, Peter. https://t.co/t9glI28WDl

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 26, 2024

Bravo and thank you to the best!@peter_king. https://t.co/qA1dYw4m7l

— MikeTirico (@miketirico) February 26, 2024

Congratulations to @peter_king on his retirement. Peter has been so supportive of so many people in sports media — and it is as much a part of his legacy as his incredible columns. I will always, always, always appreciate it. Thank you, Peter. https://t.co/v5FhQGUVSG pic.twitter.com/zA0k7gcd49

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 26, 2024

Pitch perfect final salvo from the great @peter_king. A relentless mentor, benevolent fundraiser and pioneer of a genre who changed and enhanced the way we consume football information. What a vast legacy. https://t.co/3giilKEnJX

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 26, 2024

“Eddie. Eddie Werder.” That’s how the Peter King addressed me in person or on the phone.

I’ve known and admired @peter_king since he gave me my first big opportunity - to be a regular NFL contributor to his SI columns and later convinced CNN-SI to hire me to do TV.

Thank you! https://t.co/ZGGMVmENKI

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) February 26, 2024

I once was way too starstruck to say hi to Peter. (True story - ask my dad.) He set the standard in an industry that is constantly changing.

Best wishes for whatever comes next! https://t.co/cYU8gS4TYT

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) February 26, 2024

Congratulations to the Hall-of-Fame reporter and storyteller @peter_king, who announced he is “retiring*”. Nobody went where he did, interviewed who he did, and loved what he did more than Peter. He is a legend.

Monday mornings, and this business, won’t be the same without him.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2024