Just a day after re-signing with the Seattle Seahawks, veteran tight end Luke Willson has decided not to continue his NFL career and has instead announced his retirement. In his statement, the 31-year-old explained that he went through health issues over the course of the offseason that led to him spending days in the hospital. It was that experience that he says altered his perspective on his life and, after being in the Seahawks facility on Tuesday, decided that it was time to begin a new chapter.
"After signing with the Seahawks yesterday, I have decided to walk away from the game of football," Willson said in a statement released on his social media accounts. "This offseason I went through some health issues and spent numerous days in the hospital with a severe pericardial effusion. That situation has really challenged me as an individual and changed my perspective on a lot of things with regards to my life. After reflecting on everything yesterday and being in the building, I have decided that it's time for me to begin with the next chapter of my life.
"I want to first say thank you to the Seahawks organization. I am eternally grateful for everything this organization has given me. Thank you for the memories, the life lessons, and all of the relationships I have built. To the city of Seattle and the 12s: The love and support you've shown me throughout my time here has been truly special. Thank you. You really are the best fans in the world.
"And last but not least, to my homeland.. specifically Windsor/Essex county and my hometown, LaSalle, Ontario: Thank you. The opportunities I was given throughout my childhood gave me a chance to dream and one day make that dream a reality. Thank you to the coaches, teaches, and everyone who has been a part of this journey. I have always tried my best to be a true representation of the characteristics that make up our area. I hope I've made you proud.
"Football is really all I know. It's all I've done for the last two decades. I'll be honest, I have no idea what's next at the moment.. but whatever it is, you be sure that I will bring a lot of energy to it."
Willson was originally drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Rice. spent the bulk of his career with Seattle (also made stops with the Lions Raiders and Ravens) and was also a member of the team's Super Bowl XLVIII-winning squad back during the 2013 season. For his career, Wilson finishes with 111 receptions for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns.
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