Billy Price, a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, announced his retirement on Saturday, revealing that he had suffered a pulmonary embolism in April.
The 29-year-old man said he underwent emergency surgery to remove a clot that was entering both lungs. Despite the surgery, he said he had to withdraw because his blood thinners created a “tremendous” risk of internal bleeding.
The caption on Price’s Instagram post:
“In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away from me. On April 24, I underwent emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both lungs. As a healthy 29-year-old , just an unprovoked pulmonary embolism The medical explanation is terrifying I am truly grateful to be alive today Unfortunately I will be retiring from the NFL as the risk of internal bleeding while on blood thinners creates a tremendous risk.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have played in some of the best atmospheres in the world. I am grateful to have trained and played alongside men who will continue to earn recognition in Pro Bowls, All Pro Rosters and Hall of Fame.
“To my wife: This career would not have been possible without your continued love and support. The sacrifices you have made throughout my career do not go unnoticed. I can’t wait to navigate the next chapter of my life with you as we continue to grow our family.”
Price was a four-year starter at Ohio State, winning a national championship in 2014. He played offensive guard before moving to center for his senior season, where he earned unanimous All-America honors and won the Rimington Trophy for the nation’s top center in 2017. .
That performance led to Price becoming the rare center selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, going 21st overall in 2018 to the nearby Cincinnati Bengals. He proceeded to play five seasons with the Bengals, New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals, in addition to practice stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys.
Price spent most of last season on the Cowboys’ practice squad after being released by the Saints the previous offseason.