![Jun 15, 2021; in Eagen, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin (83) runs the ball as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Cameron Smith (32) defends him in drills at OTA at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports](https://sportsnaut.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16257577.jpg?resize=788,444)
Vikings linebacker Cameron Smith completed a comeback from heart surgery, but plans to retire from the NFL.
Smith, 24, issued a statement via Instagram on Wednesday night.
“After careful consideration and thorough discussion with my friends and family, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the NFL,” the statement read in part. “I know this transition isn’t going to be easy, but I am excited to tackle this next chapter of my life with the same passion and pursuit that I did football.”
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He was a fifth-round pick by Minnesota in 2019 out of Southern Cal and missed the 2020 season.
Following a false positive COVID-19 test last August, Smith learned through an extensive physical he would need surgery to repair a congenital heart defect.
Smith played for Minnesota in the preseason opener. He logged 18 snaps on defense, six on special teams, and recorded one tackle before leaving the game with a concussion.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Vikings, check out #SKOL rumors, rankings, and news here.
–Field Level Media