Ryan Kerrigan has been playing NFL football for 11 seasons, and now, instead of running on the field, he is standing still on the sidelines and watching the game play out. Although, he has decided to retire after 12 years, he still loves the game.
“Even though I know it’s the right decision, ultimately, it’s still not easy to know that I’m not going to play football anymore,” he said. “I kind of had that realization the other night. … I’m not going to play football anymore. That’s kind of crazy. Been doing it for so long. But I just know where I’m at, health-wise and whatnot, that this is the best thing for me moving forward.”
Many people were confused about why he was retiring, and as he said, it was for his health. His knee was no longer pro-athlete level, so he had to retire to avoid injury. Doctors gave him poor reports on his knee in May 2021, and he was encouraged to end his career. However, while his knee had to retire, his mind wasn’t ready yet, until now.
“While I’m thankful for the amazing times and memories I was able to have as a player, I’m equally thankful for now having the wisdom and courage to walk away,” Kerrigan said in a statement to the public. “We all eventually come to the end of our playing days, and that time is now for me.”
Both the public and his team were sad to see him go, as he was a great player. “He’s a guy that you could always count on,” Coach Ron Rivera said. “He’s a guy that always could help set the example. I mean, you only get so many of those guys, and when you get them, they most certainly need to be celebrated.”
“Even though I know it’s the right decision, ultimately, it’s still not easy to know that I’m not going to play football anymore,” he said. “I kind of had that realization the other night. … I’m not going to play football anymore. That’s kind of crazy. Been doing it for so long. But I just know where I’m at, health-wise and whatnot, that this is the best thing for me moving forward.”
Many people were confused about why he was retiring, and as he said, it was for his health. His knee was no longer pro-athlete level, so he had to retire to avoid injury. Doctors gave him poor reports on his knee in May 2021, and he was encouraged to end his career. However, while his knee had to retire, his mind wasn’t ready yet, until now.
“While I’m thankful for the amazing times and memories I was able to have as a player, I’m equally thankful for now having the wisdom and courage to walk away,” Kerrigan said in a statement to the public. “We all eventually come to the end of our playing days, and that time is now for me.”
Both the public and his team were sad to see him go, as he was a great player. “He’s a guy that you could always count on,” Coach Ron Rivera said. “He’s a guy that always could help set the example. I mean, you only get so many of those guys, and when you get them, they most certainly need to be celebrated.”
