Seahawks center Connor Williams abruptly retires from NFL at 27 - ESPN

RENTON, Wash. — Seattle Seahawks center Connor Williams has unexpectedly decided to retire at 27 years old, walking away from the team with eight games remaining.

Coach Mike Macdonald said Friday that the seventh-year veteran made the decision earlier this week due to «personal reasons.» The only other detail he provided on Williams' reasoning was that it's not due to any issues with his surgically-repaired knee. Macdonald is under the impression that the decision is final, saying he doesn't think there's a chance Williams changes his mind.

«I don't believe so,» Macdonald said. «We're honoring his wishes and we'll keep all those reasons and conversations private for obvious reasons and wish him the best.»

Macdonald said Olu Oluwatimi will take over at center and that the Seahawks will likely make a roster move with Williams on Saturday.

Williams has started all nine games for Seattle (4-5) this year and has played every offensive snap after signing with the team during training camp. He was at practice on Monday when the Seahawks returned from their bye to begin preparations for their game Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, but he was then was listed as a non-participant in practice the last three days with a not-injury-related/personal designation.

Macdonald wouldn't specify when he started to have an inkling that Williams was thinking of retiring. Asked when Williams told him of his decision, Macdonald said, «It's been a process throughout the week.»

«You start getting into timetables and all that, I'd rather keep it private with… Connor and the things that he's working through,» he said. «But it was this week.»

Williams' departure deals a major blow to Seattle's embattled offensive line, which ranks 27th in pass