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Survivor legend hints they'll never play the game again: 'My journey’s complete'

One of the great Survivor players to ever compete on CBS's hit reality show has hinted they've retired from Survivor for good.
ByCody Schultz|
“Only One of Yous Can Win” – The $1 million dollars is closer than ever as the remaining castaways enter the final stretch of the game. A major come-from-behind win earns one person a trip to the sanctuary and a spot in the final four. Then, a tumultuous fire-making showdown determines the final three. One castaway will be crowned Sole Survivor and awarded the $1 million prize, on the season 48 finale, followed by the After Show, hosted by Jeff Probst, on SURVIVOR, Wednesday, May 21 (8:00-11:00
“Only One of Yous Can Win” – The $1 million dollars is closer than ever as the remaining castaways enter the final stretch of the game. A major come-from-behind win earns one person a trip to the sanctuary and a spot in the final four. Then, a tumultuous fire-making showdown determines the final three. One castaway will be crowned Sole Survivor and awarded the $1 million prize, on the season 48 finale, followed by the After Show, hosted by Jeff Probst, on SURVIVOR, Wednesday, May 21 (8:00-11:00

When it comes to the game of Survivor, there are few players quite as iconic as Boston Rob Mariano. Boston Rob is one of the greatest to ever play the game of Survivor, cementing his legacy after a series of amazing performances on the long-running CBS hit, including a victory in season 22. 

Boston Rob has more than earned his place on the Mount Rushmore of Survivor players, which is why so many fans were shocked and disappointed when he failed to earn a place in the Survivor 50 cast. The idea of Boston Rob not appearing in the historic season still has fans reeling, but the decision wasn’t made by CBS.

In a new interview with ET's Nischelle Turner, Boston Rob confirmed again that CBS invited him to join the cast of season 50 and that he turned them down. This isn’t anything new, as Boston Rob released a statement shortly after the cast was announced, revealing he had passed on returning for Survivor 50. What is concerning is that, in speaking with ET, Boston Rob seemed to confirm he’s closed the book on his time playing Survivor. 

“Early on, when we were discussing the season, Jeff [Probst] called me and asked me if I wanted to be a part of it. But truly, I feel so fulfilled, and my journey’s complete. I really did want someone else to have a chance.” 

While Boston Rob didn’t fully close the door and say outright that he would never play Survivor again, his comment seems to all but confirm he has no intentions of returning for a future season. And if being a part of the historic 50th season wasn’t reason enough to play the game again, we can’t imagine a situation in which Boston Rob would return to the game that made him a household name and reality TV legend. 

Honestly, we can’t fault Boston Rob for closing the book on Survivor. He’s played the game five times and won once already. He’s cemented his place in history, and he has nothing to prove by coming back to play the game again. He’s also too big of a threat to ever truly have a chance to win the game again, as there is no way players wouldn’t target Boston Rob right away, knowing how dangerous he is as a player. 

As disappointing as it might be to know that Boston Rob has retired from Survivor, there is always the chance he could pop up on the show in the future in another manner outside of being a contestant. Plus, it’s not like we’ve seen the last of him in the world of reality TV as there are always new opportunities around the corner, which could give us the chance to see Boston Rob back on our screens, competing in a new competition! 

Survivor 50 will air early in 2026 with season 48 premiering this fall on CBS.

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