Cameron Smith was a fifth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, and the linebacker has announced his retirement from the league after more than two years.
Smith, 24, played in the Vikings’ preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday but was forced to leave due to a concussion.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOXNEWS.COM SPORTS COVERAGE On Wednesday, he announced his retirement on Instagram.
“Football has been such an important part of my life for the past 18 years.”
It has given me innumerable friendships, great moments, and priceless lessons that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Last year, when I had open heart surgery, I struggled a lot with what I was asking my body to do in order to play this incredible game.
Finally, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve been asking it to do too much,” he posted on Instagram.
“I have made the painful choice to retire from the NFL after great consideration and extensive discussion with my friends and family.”
I know it won’t be easy, but I’m looking forward to tackling this new chapter of my life with the same zeal and dedication that I put into football.
I am grateful for, and will always treasure, the numerous chances that football has provided me.
“I appreciate all of my friends, family, the entire Vikings organization, USC, Athletes First, and everyone who has supported me along the way,” Smith said. Smith recorded eight tackles in five games this season.
He spent the year 2020 recovering from open-cardiac surgery to correct a congenital heart abnormality discovered after testing positive for coronavirus.
