Ashburn, Virginia - Washington Commanders wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden has decided to hang up his cleats and head back to school, head coach Ron Rivera announced on Thursday.

Completing one of the most short-lived NFL careers in recent memory, Antonio Gandy-Golden of the Washington Commanders is officially retiring.

During a team press conference Thursday, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced that the 24-year-old receiver has decided to return to school after just two seasons in the league.

"He just felt the time was now," Rivera said of Gandy-Golden's decision. "He told me he wanted to go back to school and continue his education and then go from there."

"I was a little surprised just because I thought he was doing a good job in our offense, and was making some good strides," he continued. "I love who he is as a man and I wish him all the best as he goes back and starts what's next."

A Liberty University standout, Gandy-Golden became only the second player in Liberty history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. His dominating performance senior year led the team to its first Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) bowl game, the Cure Bowl in 2019.

In 2020, Gandy-Golden was a fourth-round NFL draft pick for Washington. During his two seasons, Gandy-Golden caught just one pass, playing a total of 10 career games. In 2021, he played only 20 snaps on offense.

Before his sudden announcement, Gandy-Golden was working on making the switch from a receiver to a tight end during the offseason.

"He's a heck of a young man. He really did do a nice job for us," Rivera said. "We appreciate who he is and who he was for us as a football player and a young man."

Rivera added: "Because he's a bright young man, I really do believe he has a bright future ahead of him."