Former Texas Cornerback Ryan Watts Announces Medical Retirement
Ryan Watts, a former standout cornerback for the Texas Longhorns, has announced his decision to medically retire from professional football. The 23-year-old athlete, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, faced a challenging rookie season marred by a significant neck injury sustained during the preseason.
Watts, a native of Little Elm, Texas, began his collegiate career at Ohio State before transferring to Texas in 2022. During his tenure with the Longhorns, he made a notable impact, recording 51 tackles, including four for loss, a sack, and an interception in his first season. His performance earned him an honorable mention on the All-Big 12 team. (en.wikipedia.org)
In August 2024, Watts joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, aiming to make his mark in the NFL. However, in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, he suffered a neck injury that was initially described as a stinger. Despite hopes for a swift recovery, the injury proved more severe, leading to his placement on the season-ending injured reserve list. (si.com)
Throughout his recovery, Watts remained optimistic, sharing on social media, "Through serious injury and all, I will remain optimistic because I can do ALL things through HIM. Road to recovery…" (nbcsports.com) After extensive consultations with medical professionals and the Steelers’ coaching staff, Watts has made the difficult decision to retire from professional football to prioritize his health and well-being.
The Texas football community and fans alike have expressed their support for Watts during this challenging time. His resilience and contributions to the sport have left a lasting impression, and he is wished the best in his future endeavors beyond the gridiron.
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