Former first-round pick Billy Price announced his retirement at the age of 29 due to potential complications from a blood clot. Price was selected No. 21 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2018 NFL Draft. The retirement came as a shock but also a sign of caution for others. He took to social media to announce his plans, citing a recent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot that had entered both of his lungs. As a healthy young man, Price was left with no choice but to retire from the NFL due to the risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners, which posed a tremendous risk to his health.
Price’s decision to step away from football was not taken lightly. He expressed concern for his health and safety going forward, making the difficult choice to prioritize his well-being. Thankful for the opportunity to have played in some of the greatest atmospheres around the world, Price also acknowledged the support of his teammates and the valuable experience of training and playing alongside talented individuals. Price’s football career began at Ohio State, where he helped the Buckeyes win the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship as a freshman. He went on to win the Rimington Trophy in 2017, awarded to the nation’s best center, setting him up for selection in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Despite high expectations as a dominant player in college, Price struggled to live up to his potential in the NFL. He only started nine games for the Bengals after his rookie season and was ultimately traded to the New York Giants in 2021. While starting 15 games for the Giants, Price showed improvement but still faced challenges, allowing 24 quarterback pressures and two sacks in the 2021 season. After a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, Price also had appearances with the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints during his career. Despite not achieving the success he had hoped for in the NFL, Price’s retirement marks a turning point in his life as he prioritizes his health and future well-being.
As Price transitions into retirement, the NFL community wishes him good fortune with his health going forward. His decision to prioritize his well-being serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of professional sports and the importance of taking care of one’s health. Price’s retirement announcement also sheds light on the realities of life after football for athletes, underscoring the physical toll that the game can take on players and the importance of regular health monitoring. As Price embarks on a new chapter post-retirement, his story serves as a cautionary tale for others in the sports industry to prioritize their health and well-being above all else.
