Former first-round OL retires from NFL due to health complications

Billy Price is retiring from the NFL due to health complications. The offensive lineman revealed on Instagram that he recently underwent emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove blood clots in his lungs. Price decided to retire because the “risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners creates tremendous risk.”

“In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away,” Price said. “On April 24, I had emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both of my lungs. As a healthy 29-year-old, an unprovoked pulmonary embolism with no further medical explanation is terrifying. I am truly thankful to be alive today. Unfortunately, I will be retiring from the NFL as the risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners creates tremendous risk.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have played in some of the greatest atmospheres around the world. I am thankful to have trained and played alongside men who will continue to make Pro Bowls, All-Pro Rosters and Hall of Fame recognitions.”

The Ohio State product was a first-round pick by the Bengals in 2018. After earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors following his first NFL campaign, he saw a reduced role in Cincinnati over the next two seasons. This culminated in a 2020 season in which the lineman only started one of his 16 appearances, leading to his getting traded to the Giants.

He’s since bounced around the league, spending time with the Raiders, Cardinals, Saints, and Cowboys. He started all 11 games for Arizona before splitting the 2023 campaign between the New Orleans and Dallas practice squads.