Steelers defensive back Ryan Watts injured his neck in the final preseason game against the Lions last summer. The injury originally was called a stinger, but Watts landed on season-ending injured reserve before the start of his first season.
The Steelers released Watts on Monday, announcing that doctors, the Steelers medical team and Watts’ representation agreed it was in Watts’ best interest “to discontinue playing football at this time.”
Watts, 23, released a statement Wednesday.
“I have dedicated my entire life to my dream of playing professional football since I was just 6 years old,” Watts wrote.