Steelers Cut Cornerback Following Career-Ending Neck Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a difficult roster decision Monday and released cornerback Ryan Watts.

Watts, the team’s sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered a season-ending neck injury against the Detroit Lions last preseason. The 23-year-old never got the chance to debut as a rookie and the injury was so severe that it forced Watts into medical retirement. It’s a decision that the Steelers had no choice but to make.

“Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan wrote in a team-released statement. “After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan’s representatives, we all agree that it is in Ryan’s best interest to discontinue playing football at this time.

“We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”

Despite undergoing a serious career setback, Watts was in good spirits throughout the process. He took to social media back in January to provide fans with an update while in bed wearing a neck brace.

“This has easily been one of the hardest years of my life,” Watts wrote, per Yahoo Sports. “Through serious injury and all, I will remain optimistic because I can do ALL things through HIM. Road to recovery.”

Watts was a two-year starter at Texas after transferring from Ohio State. With the Longhorns in 2022, Watts recorded 51 tackles, three pass deflections, one sack and one interception. He was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention.

He totaled 13 tackles in a Steelers uniform in preseason action.

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