Seattle Seahawks starting center Connor Williams has retired from the NFL due to personal reasons, head coach Mike Macdonald revealed Friday.
‘So Connor early this week decided to retire. Personal reasons, and we respect that,’ Macdonald told reporters. ‘Wish him the best, and we’ve got to move forward.’
Asked if he expects Williams to change his mind, Macdonald expressed doubts.
‘I don’t believe so,’ Macdonald said. ‘We will honor his wishes and keep all those reasons and conversations private for obvious reasons.’
The 27-year-old Williams will be replaced in the starting lineup by second-year player Olu Oluwatimi. Seattle heads to Santa Clara this weekend for Sunday’s game against the rival San Francisco 49ers.
A native Texan who played college ball for the Longhorns, Williams was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Video of Williams kneeling and weeping after learning the news quickly went viral after he was selected.
Unfortunately, Williams battled a series of knee injuries while shifting between left guard and center.
He’d ultimately sign with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2022 and played two seasons in South Florida before joining the Seahawks in August.
Williams earned $24 million over parts of seven NFL seasons. Fortunately for him, NFL players become fully vested in the league’s retirement plan after playing three seasons.
While the reasoning behind his decision remains unclear, Williams has nonetheless become a target among fans online.
‘He’s been snapping the ball over [quarterback Geno Smith’s] head lately so…’ one fan remarked.
‘So lame to retire mid season,’ another added. ‘It’s like a dishonorable discharge.’
The Seahawks are tied for last in the NFC West at 4-5, but still have hopes of reaching the postseason.
Seattle has allowed 28 sacks this season – more than all but eight teams – while ranking 27th in the NFL by averaging just 91.2 rushing yards a game.
