<
>

Josh Perry focusing on health, to retire after six concussions

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Joshua Perry is walking away from football after suffering his sixth concussion.

Perry announced his decision to retire Monday in a statement on Twitter, saying the most recent concussion was a result of a "pedestrian" hit.

"The last thing I want to do is put the health of my brain and my future wellbeing in jeopardy over a game and a paycheck," Perry wrote.

Perry had signed with the Seahawks in June for the veterans minimum of $630,000 with no guaranteed money. He appeared in two games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and 15 games for the Chargers in 2016 and made a little over $1.2 million in his NFL career, according to Overthecap.com.

The Seahawks signed safety Lorenzo Jerome to take Perry's spot on their 90-man roster.

Prior to the NFL, Perry played at Ohio State, winning a national title with the Buckeyes in the 2014 season.

"I've experienced the ups and downs. 50-4 with a National Championship and 4 pairs of gold pants is something that will live in my heart and mind forever," Perry wrote. "Getting drafted in 2016 will as well. But things like the loss of a teammate, losing seasons and strained relationships will also live in me forever as well."

Perry wrote that he plans to pursue a real estate license and stay in sports through writing, television and radio.