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Recent NFL First-Round Pick Announces Sudden Retirement Due to Health Issues


Former first-round pick Billy Price announced his retirement on Saturday due to potential complications from a blood clot. Price, 29, was selected No. 21 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2018 NFL Draft. His retirement came as a shock but also a sign of caution for others. He took to social media to announce his plans.

“In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away,” Price wrote in an Instagram post. “On April 24th I had emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both of my lungs. As a healthy 29 year old, an unprovoked pulmonary embolism with no further medical explanation is terrifying. I am truly thankful to be alive today. Unfortunately, I will be retiring from the NFL as the risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners creates tremendous risk.”

His decision to step away from football isn’t one that he is taking lightly. He is worried about his health and the safety of himself going forward. This was a move to make sure he is around for a long time and it couldn’t have been an easy one.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have played in some of the greatest atmospheres around the world,” Price wrote. “I am thankful to have trained and played alongside men who will continue to make Pro Bowls, All Pro Rosters and Hall of Fame recognitions.

Price attended Ohio State and helped the Buckeyes win the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman. He won the Rimington Trophy in 2017, given to the nation’s best center. This set him up to be selected in the first round.

Billy Price
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Daniel Jones #8 and Billy Price #69 of the New York Giants in action against the Las Vegas Raiders at MetLife Stadium on November…


Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

He was deemed the next big piece for the Cincinnati offensive line after dominating in college. However, he never lived up to the potential that he showed in his rookie season. He only started nine games for the Bengals after 2018 and was traded to the New York Giants for defensive lineman B.J. Hill before the 2021 season.

Price started 15 games for New York and looked a little better than he had in recent years. However, it wasn’t good enough as he allowed 24 quarterback pressures and two sacks in 2021. New York moved on from him and he landed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, where he started 11 games. Price also had stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints during his career.

We wish Price good fortune with his health going forward.