Ryan Watts released by Pittsburgh Steelers after he suffered life-threatening injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released second-year cornerback Ryan Watts due to ongoing health concerns, the team announced on Monday.

Watts, 23, will be medically retired after suffering a neck injury during the 2024 NFL preseason.

In a statement, Steelers general manager Omar Khan confirmed the decision was made in consultation with medical professionals and Watts’ representatives.

“Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster,” Khan said. “After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan’s representatives, we all agree that it is in Ryan’s best interest to discontinue playing football at this time. We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”

Watts sustained his injury during Pittsburgh’s final preseason game against the Detroit Lions, ending his rookie campaign before it began.

In January, Watts shared a social media update on his recovery, posting a photo from his hospital bed wearing a neck brace and vowing to “remain optimistic.”

Before entering the NFL, Watts played two seasons at Ohio State before transferring to the University of Texas, where he recorded 89 total tackles, including 63 solo stops, across 24 games.

The Steelers selected Watts in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His early retirement marks a difficult conclusion to a promising career that had only just begun.