WR Ryan Switzer announces retirement from NFL

Wide receiver Ryan Switzer initially entered the NFL when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 draft. 

It appears the 27-year-old has played his last down in the league. 

As Myles Simmons noted for Pro Football Talk, Switzer has announced via a statement he shared on social media that he is retiring as an active player. 

"Unfortunately, in light of a recent injury, I feel I’m no longer able to meet the physical demands of the game," Switzer explained in his statement. "That said, I have decided to retire from the NFL.

"Although my playing days are over, I’m looking forward to using the knowledge and experience I’ve accumulated to help the next generation of players through coaching. I promise to bring the same relentless mindset that enabled me to live my dream of playing NFL football to this next chapter of my life." 

Switzer spent time with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018 but never logged a meaningful snap with the organization before he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in August of that year. He went on to handle returning duties for Pittsburgh in 2018 and 2019 but was released in September 2020. 

After his stint with the Steelers ended, Switzer was on the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns for the 2020 season and then landed on injured reserve last August. In total, he accumulated 50 career receptions for 321 yards with one touchdown, and he also tallied a punt return for a score while with Dallas.