Pittsburgh Steelers release a recent draft pick who never played a down in the regular season after an unfortunate injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Ryan Watts this time a year ago in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. A safety from Texas with size and speed, Watts had a promising training camp and early preseason. Unfortunately, he suffered a stinger in one of the exhibition contests against the Detroit Lions, which forced him to […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Ryan Watts this time a year ago in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
A safety from Texas with size and speed, Watts had a promising training camp and early preseason.
Unfortunately, he suffered a stinger in one of the exhibition contests against the Detroit Lions, which forced him to miss the rest of the season, have surgery, and now medically retire…
Steelers release Ryan Watts who is expected to medically retire
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 assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.
– Omar Khan, Pittsburgh Steelers
It's an unfortunate and harsh reality of the game of football, even in a climate where it is safer than ever. The heads up tackling initiative has prevented a lot of the tackles and hits that are not too different to Watts' career-ending one.
Even still, if you watch the clip (which you can find easily on X-Twitter) Watts is far from at fault, as he merely takes an angle that any other would-be tackler would make.
This decision is far from an easy one. Any time your career ends in the game of football, there is a sadness and an empty feeling that hits you. But to have it end due to injury is a feeling I wouldn't wish upon anyone, and one I cannot even begin to imagine.
To see Watts, the Steelers and his representatives all come to the conclusion however, points to the sign that he is at least in the right headspace right now. Good on the Steelers for deciding to stand by him in what will be a difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan Watts, his family, and the entire Steelers organization.
May his next chapter be his best one yet.
