Recent Steelers draft pick to 'discontinue' NFL career due to major medical issue

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Monday that they are set to release one of their 2024 NFL draft picks due to medical concerns from an injury suffered last preseason.

The Steelers posted to social media to reveal that they are releasing defensive back Ryan Watts after speaking with medical experts and Watts' agents, with everyone coming to the conclusion that Watts should "discontinue" his career after he unfortunately suffered a serious neck injury in 2024.

"Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster," the Steelers said. "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," the Steelers concluded.

Watts suffered a neck injury in the last preseason game of 2024. Initially believed to be just a stinger, the injury turned out to be much more serious than that and Watts required surgery and a long recovery process.

“This has easily been one of the hardest years of my life,” he wrote on social media in January. “Through serious injury and all, I will remain optimistic because I can do ALL things through HIM. Road to recovery. . . .”

Prior to his injury, Watts was transitioning from cornerback to safety and showed promise, which makes this news even more unfortunate. We wish Watts the best.

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