Former Green Bay Packers tackle Bryan Bulaga, who spent a decade with the team from 2010 to 2019, has decided to retire with the Packers, according to an announcement made by General Manager Brian Gutekunst on Thursday.
Gutekunst expressed congratulations to Bulaga on his remarkable career and extended gratitude for his contributions to the Packers, highlighting his prowess as one of the top right tackles in the NFL and his invaluable role as a teammate. He wished Bulaga, his wife Abbie, and their family all the best in their future endeavors.
Bulaga, originally drafted by the Packers in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft from the University of Iowa, started in 111 out of 115 regular-season games and all 13 postseason matches he participated in for Green Bay. His 115 games played during the 2010-2019 period marked the highest among Packers offensive linemen.
The outset of Bulaga’s career saw him making an immediate impact, earning All-Rookie honors from the Professional Football Writers of America after playing in 16 games with 12 starts in his debut season. He also started in all four postseason games, including the Super Bowl XLV triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he became the first rookie in NFL history to start at right tackle in a Super Bowl-winning team and was the youngest player at the time to start in a Super Bowl at 21 years and 322 days old.
Throughout his tenure with the Packers, Bulaga played a significant role in the team’s success, contributing to six division titles, eight playoff appearances, and four NFC Championship game appearances. He was instrumental in protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers during seasons where Rodgers was recognized as NFL Most Valuable Player twice (2011, 2014), named to the Pro Bowl seven times (2011-2012, 2014-2016, 2018-2019), and earned All-Pro honors twice as a first-team selection (2011, 2014) and once as a second-team selection (2012). Additionally, Bulaga’s efforts helped pave the way for running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks in 2015, as they became the first Green Bay duo since 1985 to each rush for over 600 yards in the same season.
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