Chmura suffered a career-ending herniation of his C5 and C6 discs in his cervical spine. Chmura was released by the Packers in 2000. After his release, he attempted a comeback, with the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints showing interest, but suffered a relapse of the injury while working out in his weight room and retired. In 8 seasons with the Packers, Chmura finished his career in third place all-time in franchise history among tight ends with 188 receptions 2,253 yards, and 17 touchdowns in 89 games. In 2010, he was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.