Jets OL Cameron Clark retires due to spinal cord injury

Jets offensive lineman Cameron Clark is retiring, as ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini writes. Sadly, Clark was left with little choice after missing the 2021 season with a serious spinal cord injury.

“Based on the advice of Dr. Andrew Hecht, a prominent orthopedic surgeon at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, Cameron will not be able to continue to play football for the New York Jets,” said agent Alan Herman.

Clark, 24, joined the Jets as a fourth-round pick in 2020. However, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte product never saw the field as his would-be rookie year was scuttled by a shoulder injury. Then, this past summer, he suffered a serious spinal cord injury. It was first believed to be contusion — now, doctors know that it’s much more serious.

“A great young man, with a bright future, I am thankful for Cameron’s peace in making his decision, however bittersweet it may be,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “He made it to the league because of his talent, hard work and attitude and I have every confidence that they will all continue to serve him as he transitions to the next step.”