NFL Wide Receiver Adrian Coxson Announces Retirement at 24, Says "Next Hit Could Possibly Kill Me Or Be Life Damaging"

On August 1, the Green Bay Packers were participating in their third day of training camp when wide receiver Adrian Coxson needed to be taken off the field in an ambulance after experiencing severe dizziness. Eventually, Coxson was diagnosed with a Grade 3 concussion. The ordeal left a lasting impact on the Stony Brook product, who at 24 years old, announced his retirement today from the game of football, fearing that the next hit to his head could jeopardize his long-term health or even his life.

In an interview with National Football Post, Coxson admits to still feeling some lingering effects from the severe concussion. After consulting with two neurologists and two doctors, who recommended that he'd retire, the young wideout is following their advice. "The next hit to my head could possibly kill me or be life damaging," he admits. "This last one could be life damaging. It has taken a great toll on me."

While this goal of reaching the NFL is something Coxson has dreamed of his entire life, his health takes precedence over anything else, football included. “I worked hard all my life and I felt I was achieving my life-long goal," he said. "Unfortunately, I got hit in the head in practice and it was really bad for me. I couldn’t describe how bad it is. I’m blessed to have my life right now."

Coxson's announcement comes six months after promising San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borlandannounced his retirement at the very same age, citing concerns over head trauma.

From the outside looking in, we see players, like Coxson and Borland, calling it quits at 24 as idiotic because they're "living the dream," but they're always one play away from being in a nightmare for the rest of their life.

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[via National Football Post]