Former Utah State OL Donald Penn Signs With Raiders Before Retiring From NFL
Mar 15, 2021, 2:01 PM
Donald Penn #72 of the Oakland Raiders plays against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah State offensive lineman Donald Penn signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders before retiring from the NFL.
Donald Penn signed his deal with the Raiders and was then placed on the team’s reserve/retired list, ending his 14-year NFL career.
“I want to join all of Raider Nation in congratulating Donald Penn on his retirement from football,” said Raiders Owner Mark Davis. “Donald came to the Raiders with a passion for the organization and he exemplified what it means to wear the Silver and Black during his five memorable years with the team. He was a leader both on and off the field and was held in high regard around the league throughout his career. We’re happy to welcome Donald home. He will always have a special place in this organization.”
Where can we get one of those shirts, @DPENN70?#OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider I #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/Vo5iQIqBQN
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) March 15, 2021
Penn played in 194 games in the NFL, including 66 games and starts with the Raiders. He joined the franchise as a free agent in 2014.
“It’s perfect to see Donald retire as a Raider,” said Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden. “He brought a toughness and tenacity to the offensive line that enabled him to have success at one of the most difficult positions in the game. I share Donald’s love for football and his love for the Raiders, so I am thrilled to see him retire as a member of the Silver and Black. I want to congratulate Donald on his retirement and wish him and his family all the best.”
The Inglewood, California native was a two-time Pro Bowler during his five year stint with the Raiders. His career began in 2006 as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. Penn didn’t make his NFL debut until 2007 when he played for Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007. He spent eight seasons in Tampa Bay. After leaving the Raiders in 2018, Penn spent the 2019 season with the Washington Football Team.
While at Utah State, Penn started in 44 consecutive games, serving as a team captain and was and All-WAC honoree as a senior in 2005.
