Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah is retiring from the NFL after seven seasons and his long-term health seemed to be the driving factor. In an Instagram post announcing his decision, Abdullah mentioned he thought about his career while sitting out five games this past season after suffering the fifth concussion of his career.
Abdullah played his rookie season in 2008 with the Minnesota Vikings after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State. He played four seasons there before taking a season off to complete his Hajj Pilgrimage and returning to the NFL to play three seasons for the Chiefs.
"After 7 years in the NFL, I am retiring," he wrote in a message posted alongside two photos: one of him in a Chiefs uniform and one in a Vikings uniform. "I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for giving me an opportunity to make the team after going undrafted in 2008. I experienced a great deal of growth both as a football player and as a person during my 4 years in Minnesota. Thank you.
"The Kansas City Chiefs will forever have a special place in my heart. After sitting out of football to fulfill my Hajj Pilgrimage in 2012, The Chiefs were the first to call. The three years I spent playing for KC may have been the most enjoyable football experience in my entire life. Thank you."
A photo posted by Husain Abdullah (@habdullah39) on Mar 28, 2016 at 5:53am PDT
A photo posted by Husain Abdullah (@habdullah39) on Mar 28, 2016 at 5:53am PDT
Abdullah said his long-term mental health was the main factor for his decision to retire, indicating that is especially important for his post-retirement plans.
"There are numerous deciding factors in my decision, with personal health being foremost. Sitting for five weeks last year after suffering the fifth concussion of my career, I had a lot to contemplate. My goals moving forward are to be of benefit to my family, my community, my country and hopefully the world. Having a sound mind will be vital in accomplishing these goals," he wrote. "Thank you to everyone I've crossed paths with during my time as a player. You've had an impact on my life for the better. Thanks for the love and support. It's greatly appreciated."
Abdullah's retirement leaves the Chiefs thin at the safety position, as the team also lost Tyvon Branch in free agency. He totaled 289 combined tackles in his career and picked off six passes for interceptions.
The NFL has seen several players retire abnormally early due to long-term health concerns and Abdullah, 30, seems to be the latest case. A recent report indicated the league left more than 100 diagnosed concussions out of various studies on head trauma. This made concussions appear to occur less frequently than they actually do.
"My perspective isn't money first," Abdullah said in 2013. "But if you do look at money first, it's like, 'Are you dumb?'"
