Whitney Mercilus, former NFL Texans, Packers star, is retiring
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus says he’s retiring from the NFL, ending a 10-year career in which he made 58 sacks.
Mercilus, 31, announced his decision Wednesday via Instagram. The 2012 first-round draft pick from Illinois spent nearly his entire career with the Houston Texans before playing four regular-season games and one playoff contest with the Green Bay Packers last season.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus stands for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)
"This decision was not an easy one, but I am excited and ready to walk into this new season of life," Mercilus said in his Instagram post. "God has given me the opportunity to play this sport professionally for 10 years, and He has given me this path to continue to walk within His purposes. I am grateful that I can walk away from football with absolutely zero regrets, a boatload of memories, lessons, lifelong friends, and a heart filled with gratitude."
BROWNS TALK TRADE WITH TEXANS AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH BRANDIN COOKS AS TARGET
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Sam Craft, File)
Mercilus had all but one of his 58 career sacks with the Texans. He had a career-high 12 sacks in 2015. He had 7 ½ sacks in 2016 and earned second-team honors in the All-Pro balloting that season.
He played six games with the Texans last season before