Husain Abdullah retires from NFL over fear of suffering a sixth concussion
Monday 28 March 2016 19:44, UK
Husain Abdullah says the risk of suffering further concussions is behind his decision to retire from the NFL at the age of 30.
The safety was a free agent, after spending the last three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, but revealed he would not be seeking a new team because of the five concussions he suffered in his seven years in the league.
Earlier this month, a top NFL health and safety official acknowledged for the first time a link between football-related concussions and the degenerative brain condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in testimony at a US congressional hearing.
"There are numerous deciding factors in my decision, with personal health being foremost," Abdullah wrote on Instagram.
"Sitting for five weeks last year after suffering the fifth concussion of my career, I had a lot to contemplate. My goals moving forward are to be of benefit to my family, my community, my country and hopefully the world.
"Having a sound mind will be vital in accomplishing these goals.
"I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for giving me an opportunity to make the team after going undrafted in 2008.
"The Kansas City Chiefs will forever have a special place in my heart. After sitting out of football to fulfil my Hajj Pilgrimage in 2012, the Chiefs were the first to call. The three years I spent playing for KC may have been the most enjoyable football experience in my entire life. Thank you."
