When an NFL player retires out of nowhere in the middle of a season, it is bound to catch everyone off guard.
It’s a reminder that there’s more going on behind the scenes than what we see on the field.
Seattle Seahawks center Connor Williams has decided to hang up his cleats with eight games still left in the 2024 season.
“Seahawks starting C Connor Williams has decided to retire, per coach Mike Macdonald. Just 27 years old, Williams has started every game for Seattle after overcoming a major knee injury from his time in Miami,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport wrote on X.
#Seahawks starting C Connor Williams has decided to retire, per coach Mike Macdonald.
Just 27 years old, Williams has started every game for Seattle after overcoming a major knee injury from his time in Miami. pic.twitter.com/KUcR9twtvd
Macdonald addressed speculation about Williams’ surgically repaired knee, saying it played no part in the decision.
The finality of Williams’ choice became evident when the coach dismissed the possibility of a return.
“I don’t believe so,” Macdonald stated, per ESPN. “We’re honoring his wishes and we’ll keep all those reasons and conversations private for obvious reasons and wish him the best.”
Williams’ departure comes at a critical juncture for Seattle. Since arriving during training camp, he had been a constant presence, starting all nine games and playing every offensive snap.
Following the team’s recent bye week, he showed up for practice, preparing for the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers.
However, the next three days saw him listed as a non-participant with a not-injury-related/personal designation.
The timing couldn’t be more challenging for Seattle’s struggling offensive line, which ranks 27th in pass block win rate and has shown a notable weakness in run blocking.
Williams’ exit leaves a significant void in an already vulnerable unit.
His NFL journey ends at 92 games, with 86 starts that showcased steady improvement each season. Before his injury exit in 2023, Williams had impressed with an outstanding 86.5 grade from PFF.
His consistency was remarkable, maintaining an overall grade above 70 from 2020 through 2023, highlighting the caliber of talent the Seahawks are losing.
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Seahawks Make Final Decision On D.K. Metcalf For Sunday
