Running back Chris Carson of the Seattle Seahawks has announced his intent to retire from the NFL after five seasons due to a neck issue, a source said. Tuesday saw Carson’s departure from the team due to a failed physical.
Although Carson’s retirement is a blow to Seattle’s backfield, it is not a shocking development considering the uncertainties surrounding his playing future.
After undergoing what Carroll described as “fusion surgery” in December, some Seahawks insiders have since expressed uncertainty that he’d be given the all-clear medically.
In order to continue playing without him, the team re-signed Rashaad Penny in March and selected Kenneth Walker III in the second round of the April draft.
The neck injury that Chris Carson sustained prevented him from playing in the remaining four games of the previous season.
Carson still lacked the full range of motion, according to Carroll’s statement from last month, and he still required a medical clearance. Carson’s future as a player, he claimed, was “concerning” him.
While in top form, Chris Carson evolved into one of the league’s most physical runners from his position as a seventh-round draft pick out of Oklahoma State in 2017.
He beat out free agency signing Eddie Lacy, Seattle’s first-round choice the following year, and Penny to start during Seattle’s first five NFL seasons.
