NFL vet Billy Price, 29, announces abrupt retirement following emergency surgery

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Billy Price, a veteran NFL center and first round draft pick in 2018, announced his retirement on social media this weekend after revealing that he underwent emergency surgery last month to remove a blood clot. 

The 29-year-old pro posted the announcement on his Instagram. He said he suffered "an unprovoked pulmonary embolism," and decided to retire because of the risk of internal bleeding. 

Billy Price #53 of the Arizona Cardinals gets set against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona.  (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

"In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away," Price said in the caption of his post. 

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"On April 24th 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."

Price was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 21st pick in the 2018 draft. He played there for three seasons before being traded to the New York Giants in 2021. He played in 69 career games, including 45 starts. 

Billy Price #53 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida.  (Mark Brown/Getty Images)

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