In the NFL Draft 2024, Ryan Watts was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round. In his first preseason as a rookie, the defender was able to convince, but shortly before the beginning of the regular season, it suffered a stubborn neck injury, which forces him to end the career at the end of only 23.
“Unfortunately we have to announce that we released Ryan Watts from our squad,” said Steelers-GM Omar Khan on Tuesday: “After consulting our medical team, external experts and Ryans representatives, we all came to the conclusion that it is in Ryan’s best interest to end his career at this time.”
A shock for the youngster, who has repeatedly been optimistic on social networks in the past few months to be able to stand on the pitch again soon. The Cornerback had to watch the whole last season after getting an injury in the last Preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
NFL: Watts makes “heartbreaking decision
“I devoted my dream to my dream of playing football at a professional level,” Watt said: “Due to the injury that I contracted last year, I had to make the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the game for which I worked so hard.”
He also thanked the team from Pennsylvania, who “treated him with great care and respect in this difficult time.” The end of his career now open up “new opportunities and opportunities”, the 24-year-old is certain: “My passion and determination are stronger than ever, and I trust that with God’s leadership I will find the strength to accept everything that comes next. My journey is far from over.”
Watts was selected by the Steelers in 195.