Arizona Cardinals place WR Ryan Swope on reserve-retired list

Ryan Swope’s NFL career ended pretty much before it began.

Selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former Texas A&M wideout fell in the draft due to a history of concussions in college.

Unable to get back onto the field after suffering from concussion-related symptoms during the team’s OTAs earlier in the summer, the team decided to place the rookie on the reserve-retired list.

“We knew Ryan has a concussion history in college and understood that it could possibly be an issue,” said Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim in a press release. “But weighing all the elements — the medical information available, the particular position in the draft — it was a decision we were comfortable making. As it turned out, he had a setback after he got here. Over the course of the subsequent evaluations, we all decided that Ryan’s long-term well-being was the number-one priority and this was the best course to take.”

Swope released a statement via his representation, Rep 1 Sports, on Twitter Thursday.

“As a result of a concussion I suffered during OTAs, I was advised by doctors that there were serious risks in returning to play football at this point. It has been a lifelong dream to play in the NFL but my long-term health interests outweigh my current goals for football. Because of that, I am electing to retire from the game for now and then reassess my future after this season. In the meantime, I plan to return to Texas A&M to pursue my degree. I want to thank the Arizona Cardinals organization for the opportunity and their support. I wish the team much success this season.”

Swope recorded 252 receptions for 3,117 yards and 24 touchdowns in college.

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