Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesDETROIT,MICHIGAN-AUGUST 24: Pittsburgh Steelers DB Ryan Watts (29) walks off the field after an injury during a preseason game between the Detroit Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Saturday, August 24, 2024 (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
SOURCE: Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Steelers releasing safety Ryan Watts after he missed his rookie season with a neck injury
Updated: 1:59 PM EDT Apr 28, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Monday they were releasing safety Ryan Watts, whose football career is feared to be over because of a severe neck injury sustained last preseason.“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,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said in a statement. “We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”2025 NFL Draft: Everyone the Pittsburgh Steelers selected this yearThe 23-year-old from Texas has been sidelined since being struck in the head by a knee late in Pittsburgh’s preseason-ending 24-17 loss to Detroit on Aug. 24. The injury initially was diagnosed as a stinger, though it became regarded as more serious with Watts spending his entire rookie season on injured reserve.Watts had surgery this offseason, though it was unclear if he would be medically cleared to play.The Steelers selected Watts in the sixth round of last year’s draft out of Texas, where he was a two-year starter after transferring from Ohio State.
PITTSBURGH (AP) —The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Monday they were releasing safety Ryan Watts, whose football career is feared to be over because of a severe neck injury sustained last preseason.
“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,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said in a statement. “We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”
2025 NFL Draft: Everyone the Pittsburgh Steelers selected this year
The 23-year-old from Texas has been sidelined since being struck in the head by a knee late in Pittsburgh’s preseason-ending 24-17 loss to Detroit on Aug. 24. The injury initially was diagnosed as a stinger, though it became regarded as more serious with Watts spending his entire rookie season on injured reserve.
Watts had surgery this offseason, though it was unclear if he would be medically cleared to play.
The Steelers selected Watts in the sixth round of last year’s draft out of Texas, where he was a two-year starter after transferring from Ohio State.
