Former Virginia Union record-setting running back Jada Byers has announced that he is officially retiring from football.
“First and foremost, I just wanna thank the man above for letting me play the game I loved since I was 5 years old,” said Byers in an Instagram post announcing his retirement. “I played this game for 19 years, and it taught me so much about life and sacrifices. It also taught me when you’re at the top, everyone’s there with you, and when you’re at the bottom, you’re there by yourself. For all the young student athletes out there, don’t stop chasing the dream. Go get what you earn because no man deserves anything in life; they earn it. With that being said, I will officially be walking away from this game and hanging my cleats…#RETIREMENT.”
Byers starred in the Virginia Union backfield from 2021-2024, ending his collegiate career as the team’s all-time leading rusher with 5,978 rushing yards and 71 rushing touchdowns.
He won his first of two CIAA Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2022, rushing for a Division II-high 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns (tied for 6th in Division II).
This included leading the Panthers to victory against Division II powerhouse Valdosta State, setting a team single-game record with 319 rushing yards along with three touchdowns.
Despite battling through injury in his 2023 campaign, Byers still managed to produce 1,186 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, being named to the All-CIAA First Team.
After years of hovering around the top of the CIAA, Byers finally helped Virginia Union get over the hump, leading the team to the CIAA Championship in a 21-10 victory over Fayetteville State.
He was named the game’s MVP after producing 135 rushing yards on 40 carries and two touchdowns.
The Panthers’ star ended his college career strong, setting new Virginia Union single-season record with 2,061 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the Panthers to a second straight CIAA championship.
He also set a new single-game record with 324 rushing yards against Bowie State, tying the school record with six rushing touchdowns.
His record-setting performance led to him becoming the second Division II player to win the Deacon Jones trophy (first since Amir Hall in 2018).
After a stellar performance in the 2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl, Byers was signed by the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League.
Most recently, Byers played in the Continental Football League with the Ohio Valley Ironmen.
