🏀💔 BOSTON CELTICS CHAMPION AL HORFORD ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT AGE 39! | NBA LEGEND SAYS GOODBYE
Full details in comment 👇…………..
In a heartfelt and emotional announcement that has sent ripples throughout the NBA world, Boston Celtics center Al Horford has officially retired from professional basketball at the age of 39. The five-time All-Star and freshly minted NBA Champion made the news public just days after helping the Celtics clinch their record-setting 18th title, capping off a legendary 17-year career in the league.
Horford, widely respected for his consistency, leadership, and basketball IQ, leaves behind a legacy that stretches beyond the stat sheet. His retirement marks the end of an era — not only for the Celtics, but also for a generation of fans who watched him evolve from a promising rookie to a seasoned veteran and eventual champion.
🏆 “This is the right time,” says Horford
In a social media post and a press conference held at TD Garden, Horford said:
> “I’ve given everything I have to this game. To be able to go out on top, as a champion with this group of guys, in this city — it means the world. This is the right time.”
Horford was instrumental in Boston’s 2024–25 championship run, anchoring the defense and providing clutch performances during key playoff moments. Often called the “glue guy” of the Celtics, his leadership helped mentor the team’s younger core and keep the locker room united through ups and downs.
🏀 A career of impact and consistency
Al Horford was drafted 3rd overall in 2007 by the Atlanta Hawks after winning two NCAA championships at the University of Florida. Over his career, he played for the Hawks, Celtics, 76ers, and Thunder, before returning to Boston where he eventually hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
He finishes his career with impressive stats:
1,100+ games played
Over 14,000 points
8,000 rebounds
Career averages of 13.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 3.3 APG
But numbers alone don’t capture Horford’s influence. He was the first Dominican-born player to be drafted in the top five and inspired a generation of Latin American athletes. His professionalism, team-first mentality, and unselfish play made him a favorite among coaches and teammates.
💚 A Boston legend
While Horford’s career spanned several franchises, his deep connection with Boston solidified over time. After returning to the Celtics in 2021, he became a cornerstone of the team’s identity — reliable, humble, and fiercely competitive.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said:
> “Al’s presence was foundational. You can’t teach what he brought — it’s leadership, it’s heart, it’s doing the right thing every day.”
🕊️ What’s next?
Horford hasn’t detailed his post-retirement plans but hinted at spending more time with his family and remaining involved in basketball, possibly in a mentoring or front-office role. Fans and former teammates have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating a man who gave everything to the game.
As the curtain falls on a remarkable career, Al Horford walks away as a champion, leader, and true professional. The NBA won’t forget his impact — and Boston surely won’t either. 💚
👇 Full statement and tribute videos in the comments.
By admin
