Imago
Credits: Instagram/ Jaren Hall
Imago
Credits: Instagram/ Jaren Hall
The year was 2023, and Jaren Hall finally was living the moment, that he had spent a lifetime chasing. So he tucked the ball and sprinted towards the pylon and dived for what looked like his first NFL touchdown. Instead what followed was brutal hit at the goal line which knocked him out of the game just 11 snaps into his first start for the Vikings. He didn’t know it then, but that incident would go on to be the turning point of his NFL career, one that three years later he is ready to call off.
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On May 13, 2026, just three years after entering the league as a 25-year-old rookie, he posted an emotional farewell to the game on Instagram, telling his followers how his heart is full.
“There’s a lot I could say, but mostly I just feel grateful,” Hall wrote to his followers. Sports have been woven into nearly every part of my life—they’ve challenged me, humbled me, shaped my faith, introduced me to lifelong friendships, and given me experiences I never could have imagined. From growing up in this community, to representing my hometown, to having the opportunity to play in the NFL, it has all been a blessing.”
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But while his news does feel emotional it doesn’t mean that this was something many didn’t see coming. The last couple of years had been filled with such almost-moments after all. Meanwhile after the concussion incident, Vikings did give him another chance to start against the Green Bay Packers later in that season. But after two costly turnovers, Kevin O’Connell had to bench him at halftime. From there, the path became increasingly difficult.
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The Vikings had to waive him in the 2024 season, following which, he joined the Seattle Seahawks. But he spent his time with them in the practice squad. Later in April 2025, the Seahawks officially released him. Since then, he has remained off an NFL roster. Hall moved to the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions, but he was removed from the team’s roster earlier this year.
What actually makes Hall’s story hit harder is the fact that he was never just another quarterback who was trying to just work it out in the league. At BYU he was the first Black starting quarterback in program history. Between 2019 and 2022, Hall made 24 starts and secured a total of 62 touchdowns over 6,174 yards. His final year in college ended with 31 touchdowns for 3,171 passing yards against only six interceptions. It shows why NFL teams believed in his potential, and for that he is thankful.
“What I’ll carry most isn’t the milestones, but the people — teammates, coaches, family, and a community that supported me every step of the way,” Hall continued. “My heart is full as I close this chapter and finish my football career. I’m thankful to everyone who’s been part of the journey. The game has given me more than I could ever give back.”
Now the interesting thing was he didn’t just play football. Before the NFL, he was actually balancing two athletic careers at once, that is, football and baseball. But today as he leaves the arena, people will remember him more for the impact he made off the field than the numbers on it.
Off the field, he was just as intentional; whether it was raising his daughter Jayda Mae with his wife Breanna or launching his ‘Kindness Counts’ initiative to help young people feel seen and valued, he was always on a bigger mission.
Meanwhile hearing about the news, Vikings dropped purple hearts emojis in the comments section to show their respect for Hall. Even though his stint with the team was a short one, it was certainly meaningful for the team. Hall’s former Cougar teammate, Puka Nacua, and many others lined up to bid Hall farewell and congratulate him on his retirement.
Fellow footballers salute Jaren Hall upon his exit from the NFL
Jaren Hall and Puka Nacua played together for the Cougars for two seasons (2021-2022). The quarterback and wide receiver duo even hosted a youth football camp at Orem High School in Utah.
Reflecting on their time together, Nacua commented, “Jhall.” Former BYU offensive lineman Harris LaChance joined Nacua and wrote, “Absolute legend. I’ll never forget having padded spring ball practices with you and then going to watch you play a baseball game right after!!” Isaac Rex, BYU’s former tight end, further added, “Forever a legend!! 💙”
Hall’s association with Orem High School and BYU also linked him up with the San Francisco 49ers cornerback, Jakob Robinson. While Hall managed the offensive stance, Robinson battled for the defense. And together, they finished with an 8-5 record in 2022.
Weighing in on that, Robinson wrote, “Couldn’t have asked for a better Teammate and Brother🤟🏾.”
Meanwhile, Scott Warner also chimed in and commented, “You’re as good as they come, Jaren Hall. A leader in every sense of the word, and an example to MANY. You’re going to do an incredible amount of good in your life. This next chapter is going to be amazing…”
To make things even more interesting, Hall’s stint with BYU’s baseball team also got a highlight. He played for the Cougars’ baseball team from 2018 to 2020 as an outfielder and center fielder. And that’s how he got associated with the New York Mets’ free agent, Jackson Cluff.
Remembering their stint at baseball, Cluff wrote, “People may know you as their QB… but you’ll always be my center fielder 😎.”
Jaren Hall’s NFL chapter ended much sooner than anyone expected. But if his message is any indication, he walked away believing football already gave him exactly what he needed.
Written by
Edited by
Godwin Issac Mathew