NFL player Ryan Watts forced to retire at age 23 in heartbreaking development

NFL player Ryan Watts forced to retire at age 23 in heartbreaking development

Ryan Watts, a sixth round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been forced to retire at the age of 23.

Watts’ rookie season ended before it began with a neck injury in the final preseason game against Detroit Lions. And it has now emerged that the issue will end his NFL career altogether. 

The Steelers said in a statement Monday: ‘Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster. 

‘After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan’s representatives, we all agree that it is in Ryan’s best interest to discontinue playing football at this time.

‘We will continue to ᴀssist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.’

Watts had durgery in the offseason after being seen at times wearing a neck brace after the injury had occurred. 

Ryan Watts has been forced to medically retire due to a neck injury susatained last year

Ryan Watts has been forced to medically retire due to a neck injury susatained last year 

The 23-year-old was drafted in 2024 but a neck issue now means his career is finished

The 23-year-old was drafted in 2024 but a neck issue now means his career is finished 

At college level, Watts played two season with Ohio State and then moved to Texas for the 2022-23 campaign. 

The Steelers are rebuilding their roster at present, looking to improve upon last year’s first round playoff exit.

The major question mark over the team at present remains at quarterback, where the expectation is that Aaron Rodgers will sign and play on at the age of 41. 

Last week, the Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon with their pick in the first round.

Hours after making the step into the NFL, Harmon’s mom pᴀssed away in hospital. She was on life support having had a stroke. 

Related Posts

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel sends warning to Tua Tagovailoa after Donald Trump called out NFL quarterback

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel sends warning to Tua Tagovailoa after Donald Trump called out NFL quarterback

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel joked that Tua Tagovailoa has been given an ‘executive order’ to avoid getting hurt after Donald Trump told the quarterback he ‘has…

Los Angeles Chargers star Denzel Perryman arrested on felony charge after he is found with five weapons

Los Angeles Chargers star Denzel Perryman arrested on felony charge after he is found with five weapons

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested around 9:30 p.m. Friday night in Inglewood, California on a felony charge after he was found with five weapons in…

Shedeur Sanders suffers injury setback as he battles for NFL starting spot with Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders suffers injury setback as he battles for NFL starting spot with Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders is suffering from a shoulder issue that has forced the Cleveland Browns quarterback to miss part of training camp. Sanders is locked in a four-way…

Football star exposes ‘darker side of the NFL’ that top players are struggling with: ‘Nobody will admit it’

Football star exposes ‘darker side of the NFL’ that top players are struggling with: ‘Nobody will admit it’

Pittsburgh Steelers star Breiden Fehoko has shed new light on the financial risks taken by many players in the NFL. The defensive tackle, who returned to the Steelers earlier…

Dallas Cowboys stars turn on Jerry Jones after fumbling teammate Micah Parsons’ contract standoff drama

Dallas Cowboys stars turn on Jerry Jones after fumbling teammate Micah Parsons’ contract standoff drama

Multiple Dallas Cowboys stars have turned on notorious team owner Jerry Jones after he has fumbled the contract situation of star man Micah Parsons, leading to the…

Washington Commanders head coach Dann Quinn breaks his silence after star Terry McLaurin requests trade

Washington Commanders head coach Dann Quinn breaks his silence after star Terry McLaurin requests trade

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn gave his verdict on star wide receiver Terry McLaurin requesting a trade away from his team by supporting both sides of…