Seahawks WR Sidney Rice Retires from the NFL

It wasn’t too long ago that Sidney Rice was a up-and-coming star for the Minnesota Vikings back in 2009. After putting up over 1,300 yards that season, Rice signed a long-term contract with the Seattle Seahawks. 

The former Pro Bowl player was never the same, as injuries caught up with him throughout a three-year tenure in the Pacific Northwest.

Reeling from injuries of the past, Rice announced his retirement from the National Football League on Wednesday.

Rice had this to say about his retirement (via Seahawks.com).

I was just thinking about things I’ve been through in the last few years…I’ve hit the ground a number of times. I have quite a few injuries. It’s something I’ve always battled through and came back from. But I just figure at this point I have the rest of my life ahead of me and I want to be able to function and do things later down the road.

I set out as a 6-year old to be a professional athlete,” he said. “I’ve accomplished that goal, and there were so many more things that were amazing along the way. I never dreamed about making the Pro Bowl. I never dreamed about winning the Super Bowl. But those things came along with the dedication. And then there are the people I’ve met along the way.

During a three-year career with Seattle, Rice put up 97 receptions for 1,463 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also missed 15 of a possible 48 regular season games during that span.

At 27 years old, Rice’s career ends prematurely. He was once considered one of the best young receivers in the NFL. At the very least, he’s going out on top as a Super Bowl champion and without any long-term injuries impacting the quality of his life.

Photo: Seahawks.com