Ryan Watts joined the Steelers as a sixth-round pick in last year’s draft. The defensive back’s time in the organization has come to an end, however, and his playing days appear to be over as well.
“Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster,” a statement from general manager Omar Khan reads. “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 suffered a neck injury during Pittsburgh’s preseason finale last summer. As a result, he was placed on injured reserve and was ineligible to play during the regular season. Given today’s update, the 23-year-old’s prognosis is obviously not conducive to continuing his football career.
After a pair of seasons at Ohio State, Watts transferred to Texas. He played a pair of seasons with the Longhorns, totaling 89 tackles and six pass breakups during that span. His size (6-3, 212 pounds) offered plenty of potential at the NFL level. As things stand now, though, a major turnaround with respect to his health will be required for a pro career to be possible.
The Steelers’ safety depth chart consists of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Juan Thornhill, DeShon Elliott and Miles Killebrew. At corner, Pittsburgh has the likes of Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols and Beanie Bishop in the fold. Due to unfortunate health circumstances, though, Watts will not be a member of the team’s secondary moving forward.
A shame to have his career cut short right before he could play actual NFL action, but what’s necessary is necessary.
You just can’t take chances with certain neck injuries. This reminded me of Billy Cannon Jr who was a first round pick of Dallas back in 1984.
You cant…Hawks legend Kam Chancellor career came to end with neck i jury also.
There was a UGA MLB that went in the first round to Cinny and had to retire early due to a neck injury. I believe he covers NCAA football for ESPN now. Remember his name?
Padres drafted a guy back in the 90s who had heart attack in the minors went into a coma for 6 months woke up with physical and mental disabilities. Matt LaChappa. Been on padres payroll for 30 years to ensure he gets medical treatment he needs without ever playing a game for them.
Pollack
Tough break Ryan.
Good luck in the future…..
Absolutely horrible feel for the guy hopefully he can follow a career path like Zach Orr get into coaching somewhere and work his way up if he wants to stay around the game
Trade Miles Killebrew to the Vikings !!
With the name Killebrew, he BELONGS in Minnesota !!
What?
Man, that sucks. I hope he can at the very least live the rest of his life in reasonably good health.
Never a bad thing to walk away with your health
Man that’s horrible. Best of luck to him with his life after football!
Well the penguins parted ways with Sullivan. A guy with back to back Stanley’s. Now it’s time for MORON Shelton to go..then maybe tomlin..clean sweep