NFL linebacker Kylie Fitts retires at 27 due to concussions

NFL linebacker Kylie Fitts has announced through his Instagram account that he is hanging up his cleats due to suffering too many concussions in his life as a professional football player.

Kylie Fitts: No longer safe to play

Fitts, an unrestricted free agent who spent the past three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, said that playing football is not safe for him anymore.

“After 21 years of playing, football has come to an end for me. Due to too many concussions and the severity of my recent one, it is no longer safe for me to continue to play,” he wrote.

“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 n the NFL.”

Kylie Fitts: Shortened season due to concussion

Fitts played a total of 22 games during his stint with the Cardinals. He appeared in six games last year and was ruled out for the rest of the season on injured reserve after being diagnosed with a concussion.

The 27-year-old was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played six games with the Bears, then was released in 2019.

He was then signed by the Arizona Cardinals as part of the the practice squad. He was eventually promoted to the active roster, and worked mainly with the special teams unit.

Fitts recorded 15 tackles and a quarterback hit during his time with the Cardinals.