ARIZONA CARDINALS

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 Ange...

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.

“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.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

15 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

18 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

1 day ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Cardinals free agent LB Kylie Fitts retires: ‘It is no longer safe for me’ to play