Pittsburgh Steelers Release Rookie Ryan Watts Due to Career-Ending Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Monday that they’ve released their 2024 sixth-round draft pick, Ryan Watts, due to a severe neck injury he suffered in his final preseason game. “We all agree that it’s best for Ryan to step away from football at this point,” remarked Steelers general manager Omar Khan. “We’ll continue to support Ryan as he moves forward into the next chapter of his life.” The decision was made after discussions with team doctors, medical specialists, and Watts’ representatives.

Watts’ injury took place during a match against the Detroit Lions on August 24 and was initially thought to be a stinger. He was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve. Adding to his misfortune, Watts seemed to have undergone surgery, as indicated by a photo he posted on Instagram in January, showing him in a hospital bed wearing a neck brace. “This has undoubtedly been one of the toughest years of my life,” Watts wrote in his Instagram post in January. “Despite the serious injury, I will stay positive because I believe I can overcome all obstacles through faith. On the road to recovery…”

Before his professional career, Watts played two years with Ohio State before transferring to Texas, where he completed his college football journey. His college statistics include 100 tackles and three interceptions, marking a promising yet challenging path to what could have been an illustrious career.