Who can foresee a player’s career? The former Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price’s recent retirement update proves this. After appearing in 69 games in the NFL, 29-year-old Billy’s early retirement announcement took the NFL realm by storm. Due to some terrifying health complications, the former Arizona Cardinals center had to make this major decision. The former Ohio State Buckeyes athlete, who was drafted as a first-round pick by the Bengals in the 2018 NFL draft, shared this disheartening update through an Instagram post Saturday.

Through an Instagram post, Billy Price revealed that on April 24, he had undergone emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both of his lungs. To avoid further medical risk, he announced his retirement from the NFL.

NFL world bids adieu with best wishes for the next chapter

Since the former New York Giants center retirement post surfaced on the internet, NFL maestros and diehards have been praying for his health and wishing him well in the next chapter of his life. Some of his supporters also showcased their immense love for the athlete with encouraging messages, displaying their gratefulness for the athlete’s legendary play. ESPN NFL Nation reporter Jordan Raanan has taken to his official X handle to wish Billy a successful future.

Resharing the Pro Football Talk’s post featuring Billy’s retirement announcement, he captioned the post, “Billy Price is a really good dude. Young family. There are things way more important than football. Best of luck in the next chapter!”

After playing for six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, the rookie felt overwhelmed to have such a fantastic opportunity to explore his ability in the NFL. He also expressed his deep regard for his trainers and teammates.  Moreover, he also demonstrated his gratitude toward his wife, Taylor Michelle Price. He remarked that none of this would have been possible without her biggest support throughout his NFL career. He also expressed his thanks for his wife’s sacrifices during his career, saying they could not be ignored.

Moreover, Billy Price also showcased his excitement to embark on his next chapter with his wife together. “I cannot wait to navigate the next chapter in life with you as we continue to grow our family,” Billy said.

The former center is all set for the next biggest move in his life. However, NFL fans will always cherish his noteworthy accomplishments in the short span of his NFL career. Ohio native Billy has indeed left his legacy in the NFL world.

Billy Price’s successful career trajectory

In 2017, Price garnered the Dave Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center. He got the unanimous All-American selection the same year, becoming the NFL’s notable player. Apart from this, he also had a successful college athletic career, as he got a nomination for the All-Big Ten team in each of his final three seasons at Ohio State.

With his splendid playoffs, his journey from student-athlete to football center is noteworthy. During his senior season at Ohio State, as a standout center, he played 55 games for three years from 2014 to 2017. A year later, the Cincinnati Bengals drafted him as the 21st pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He played for all 10 games as a rookie, leaving the NFL diehards in awe. In 2019, he played all 16 games as a left guard for the Bengals. And in 2020, he backed up Trey Hopkins as a center.

In 2021, he was traded by the Bengals to the New York Giants. Then, Price demonstrated his dominance in his lone season with the Giants by playing 15 games. He signed a contract with the Arizona Cardinals. In 2023, he played for the Dallas Cowboys, and then, at the start of 2024, he became a free agent. The journey is a stark proof of his unparalleled dominance on the field.