Billy Price, a former first-round pick in the NFL, announced his decision to retire from professional football on Saturday.
Price is stepping away from the game due to the complications stemming from a blood clot that required emergency surgery in April, as the Daily Mail reports.
Price, who is 29 years old, has not played in the league since his time with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2022 season. His sudden retirement comes after undergoing emergency surgery on April 24, 2024, to remove a saddle clot that had dangerously entered both of his lungs.
"This is terrifying," Price expressed, reflecting on his brush with a life-threatening condition. "In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away." The unprovoked nature of the pulmonary embolism has left many, including Price, both shocked and grateful for his recovery.
The risk associated with his condition has made the decision unavoidable. "Unfortunately, I will be retiring from the NFL as the risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners creates tremendous risk," Price stated. As blood thinners are crucial to his recovery, continuing a high-contact sport like football poses too great a hazard.
Before this health scare, Price had an illustrious career, playing in 69 games, with 45 of those being starts, for three different NFL franchises: the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals. He was selected by Cincinnati with the 21st overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, coming off an impressive college career at Ohio State.
In 2017, Price was awarded the Rimington Trophy at Ohio State, an honor given to the nation's top center. His performances on the field were a testament to his skill and dedication, and this accolade served as a springboard to his professional career.
Price's tenure with the NFL may have been brief compared to many, but it was certainly impactful. His choice to retire, while heart-wrenching for fans and colleagues, underscores the paramount importance of health and safety. For many aspiring athletes, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and career in sports.
"In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away," Price emphasized, capturing the sudden and severe nature of his medical condition. The decision is undoubtedly difficult but stems from a place of wisdom and caution.
Price's announcement has reverberated through the NFL community, drawing attention to the hidden dangers athletes can face. His proactive approach to his health, prioritizing long-term well-being over career longevity, sets a powerful example.
As he steps away from the limelight of professional football, Price's legacy will be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for his courage off it. His story is a testament to the unpredictable and oftentimes perilous journey that professional athletes navigate.
Reflecting on his impactful career and the sudden halt due to health, Price remains gracious and forward-looking. "I am truly thankful to be alive today," he noted, a sentiment shared by his supporters who now look forward to his next chapter.
In conclusion, Billy Price, a celebrated athlete and admired figure in the football community, retires from the NFL following a serious health scare involving an unprovoked pulmonary embolism. His conscientious decision to prioritize personal health over professional glory is a significant call to action for many within and outside the sporting world. Although his career was cut short, his contributions, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire.
