At just 28 years old, quarterback David Blough has announced his sudden retirement from the NFL.
The well-traveled Blough spent most of the 2023 season on the practice squad of the Detroit Lions.
In addition, Blough previously played for the Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings.
New Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has great respect for Blough from their days together in Arizona.
Right on cue, upon Blough’s retirement announcement came the news that he’ll be joining Kingsbury’s coaching staff in Washington as the assistant quarterbacks coach.
Former #Lions, #Browns, #Cardinals, #Vikings' QB David Blough has retired from the NFL and accepted an offensive job with the #Commanders under OC Kliff Kingsbury, @XPANDSports pic.twitter.com/ATOi9rLXkE
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) February 15, 2024
Blough’s NFL career, though relatively short, showcased brief flashes. In the 2022 season, he completed 65.5% of his passes for 402 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Over his career, Blough started seven games, completing 57% of his passes for 1,435 yards and six touchdowns against nine interceptions.
Never forget pic.twitter.com/I7Zqu7w2o0
— gianni🦁 (@Clapped_Dre) February 15, 2024
While not a household name, Blough was popular on the teams he played on.
Fans remember his multiple appearances on HBO’s Hard Knocks where he showed off his likeable personality.
Never forget when David Blough did card tricks for Kliff Kingsbury during Hard Knocks.
It hurts, doesn’t it Broncos? pic.twitter.com/BafBkFq0M8 pic.twitter.com/47u1rrD0i5
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) August 12, 2023
While Blough bids farewell to his playing days, the Commanders are looking to the future, with rumors swirling about their intentions to draft a new quarterback this coming April.
New head coach Dan Quinn will attempt to turn around the struggling franchise which hasn’t finished above .500 since the 2016 season and hasn’t tasted playoff success since 2005.
DAVID BLOUGH LEGACY TD
— Sports Observer (@Sports_Obs23) August 12, 2023
It was evident that Blough was most likely never going to get a legitimate chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Coaching seems to have always been on his mind and he decided the time was right to hang up the cleats and dive into the coaching grind.
Who knows, maybe he could end up being the next Sean McVay???
Former Purdue QB David Blough, who spent the past five years as an NFL quarterback, has been hired as assistant QBs coach for the Washington Commanders. Not surprising to see Blough end up in coaching. Dating back to his @Elite11 days he always seemed wise beyond his years.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 15, 2024
What are your thoughts on Washington’s decision to add Blough to the coaching staff?
Looking ahead to the draft, what do you think the Commanders should do with the second pick?
Should they draft Drake Maye? … Should they try to trade up to the top pick to take another Kingsbury buddy, Caleb Williams?
Or should they reunite with old friend Kirk Cousins in free agency???