Cardinals free agent LB Kylie Fitts retires: ‘It is no longer safe for me’ to play
Apr 15, 2022, 1:55 PM | Updated: 1:58 pm
Kylie Fitts #49 of the Arizona Cardinals prays in the end zone before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals restricted free agent linebacker Kylie Fitts on Friday announced his retirement from the NFL due to multiple concussions.
The decision comes after Fitts, 27, played just six games in 2021 due to a concussion that placed him on the injured reserve last October.
“After 21 years of playing, football has come to an end for me,” Fitts said in an Instagram post. “Due to too many concussions and the severity of my recent one, it is no longer safe for me to continue to play. I am so grateful for this game and everything it has taught and brought into my life. Thank you to all my coaches and teammates throughout my career.
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“I am also so thankful for my family and wife who have supported me through all the ups and downs and special thank you to my dad. Spent countless hours, early mornings and late nights helping me reach my goal of always wanting to play in the NFL. I believe we were created beyond just playing the game. I know God has great plans for me and my family and I’m so excited for what he has in store for me next!”
Fitts played three seasons for the Cardinals (22 games) mainly as a special teams piece, recording 15 tackles and a QB hit.
The linebacker originally got his NFL start as a 2018 sixth-round pick with the Chicago Bears.
He played six games with Chicago before he was released and later signed to the Cardinals practice squad.
