Injuries are a part of football, and nothing, not even pursuing a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL, should be above human life.
That’s why, after some strong consideration and consultation with doctors, Ryan Watts and the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a very difficult decision.
The team released 2024 sixth-round pick Ryan Watts on Monday.
Statement from GM Omar Khan on Ryan Watts: pic.twitter.com/9fYfVFB5ez
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 28, 2025
GM Omar Khan released a statement citing that the doctors believe that it will be in Watts’ best interest to discontinue playing football at the time.
The Steelers will reportedly support the young cornerback in this transition.
Watts sustained a season-ending neck injury in the team’s final preseason game against the Detroit Lions on August 24th.
The injury was initially diagnosed as a stinger, and he was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve (IR) shortly after.
He later underwent surgery and shared a picture of himself in a hospital bed wearing a neck brace late in January, sparking hope of a potential return to the field in his second year in the league.
Unfortunately, it seems like that’s not going to be the case at all, and this might be the end of his football career right here.
Watts began his college football career with two years with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He later transferred to Texas to play for the Longhorns in his final two collegiate seasons, and he entered the league with 100 tackles and three interceptions under his belt.
This is a huge blow for him, but there’s no amount of wealth or fame that’s worth more than a human life.
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