Outside linebacker and core special teams player Kylie Fitts announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday morning. The former sixth-round pick of the Chicago Bears posted on Instagram to announce the news, stating it is no longer safe for him to resume his playing career.
Fitts has been with the Cardinals since 2019. He has suffered from a series of concussions, the most recent coming last October, one that ended his season and effectively, his career.
This was his announcement:
After 21 years of playing, football has come to an end for me. Due to too many concussions and the severity of my recent one, it is no longer safe for me to continue to play. I am so grateful for this game and everything it has taught and brought into my life. Thank you to all my coaches and teammates throughout my career. I am also so thankful for my family and wife who have supported me through all the ups and downs and special thank you to my dad. Spent countless hours, early mornings and late nights helping me reach my goal of always wanting to play in the NFL. I believe we were created beyond just playing the game. I know God has great plans for me and my family and I’m so excited for what he has in store for me next!
Cardinals fans should remember one of the plays made by Fitts against the New York Giants in 2020.
#Cardinals LB Kylie Fitts literally kicked that ball out of Dion Lewis’ hands. #Cardinals recovered.
You can't intentionally kick the ball out, so this was likely determined unintentional.pic.twitter.com/jV5NjMEEMt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 13, 2020
There was also a key moment in the thrilling Cardinals-Seahawks Sunday Night Football in 2020. After the Cards rallied from down ten to send the game to overtime, Fitts perfectly read a pitch to Carlos Hyde, setting the Seahawks back and eventually stalling the drive and forcing them to punt.
We are wishing Fitts and his family the best moving forward.
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