Billy Price, the former first-round draft pick for the Cincinnati Bengals, has made a courageous decision—one that transcends football. At the age of 29, he announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL) due to a severe pulmonary embolism. This life-threatening condition nearly cost him everything.
On Saturday, NFL Rumors on Twitter announced the retirement of former Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price: “Bengals Billy Price, a 2018 first-round draft pick, announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday because of the potential of complications from a blood clot.” This unexpected development comes after a promising young career was cut short due to unforeseen medical circumstances.
Bengals Billy Price, a 2018 first-round draft pick, announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday because of the potential of complications from a blood clot. 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/gnfH6Nufdj
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 26, 2024
Price, drafted 21st overall in 2018 by the Bengals, was expected to be a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come. However, his tenure in Cincinnati was marked by inconsistency and injuries. Despite starting 19 games over his five seasons with the Bengals, he struggled to solidify his position and was eventually traded to the New York Giants in 2021.
Billy Price’s Terrifying Blood Clot
On April 24th, Price underwent emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both of his lungs. As a healthy athlete, experiencing an unprovoked pulmonary embolism with no clear medical explanation is indeed terrifying. Price expressed his gratitude for being alive today, acknowledging the fragility of life. His decision to retire stems from the risks associated with being on blood thinners—a necessary precaution to prevent further complications.
A Stellar Career Cut Short
Billy Price’s journey began when the Cincinnati Bengals selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft out of Ohio State. He played in 69 career games (with 45 starts) for the Bengals, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals. His versatility and skill as a center earned him recognition, including winning the Rimington Trophy—the prestigious award for the nation’s top center—in 2017 during his college years.
Billy Price’s retirement isn’t just about leaving the game he loves; it’s about prioritizing life itself. His courage in facing adversity head-on serves as a reminder to us all. Sometimes, the most significant victories happen off the field.
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