Billy Price Retires from NFL After Emergency Blood Clot Surgery; Former 1st-Rounder
May 25, 2024
Former first-round pick Billy Price is retiring from the NFL after five seasons.
Price announced his decision on Instagram after undergoing emergency pulmonary embolism surgery on April 24 to remove a blood clot that was entering both of his lungs:
"In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away," Price wrote. "On April 24th I had emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both of my lungs. As a healthy 29 year old, an unprovoked pulmonary embolism with no further medical explanation is terrifying. I am truly thankful to be alive today. Unfortunately, I will be retiring from the NFL as the risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners creates tremendous risk.
"I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have played in some of the greatest atmospheres around the world. I am thankful to have trained and played alongside men who will continue to make Pro Bowls, All Pro Rosters and Hall of Fame recognitions.
"To my wife: this career would not have been possible without your continued love and support. The sacrifices you have made over the course of my career do not go unnoticed. I cannot wait to navigate the next chapter in life with you as we continue to grow our family."
Price was a standout center at Ohio State where he started 55 games from 2014 to 2017.
After his senior season, Price was selected with the 21st pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He started all 10 games he played as a rookie.
The Bengals moved Price to left guard where he played in all 16 games during the 2019 season. He shifted back to center as the backup to Trey Hopkins in 2020.
Cincinnati traded Price to the New York Giants in August 2021. The Ohio native started 15 of 16 games he played in his lone season with the Giants.
Price spent a few weeks on the practice squad for the Las Vegas Raiders early in the 2022 season before being signed by the Arizona Cardinals. He took over as their starting center in Week 7 after Rodney Hudson suffered a knee injury that ended his season.
The Dallas Cowboys signed Price in September 2023. He spent his entire tenure with the club on their practice squad before becoming a free agent in January.
Price appeared in a total of 69 games (45 starts) in the NFL. He was named to the All-Big Ten team in each of his final three seasons at Ohio State and was a unanimous All-American selection in 2017.
He won the Dave Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center in 2017, making him one of three Buckeyes players to receive the honor since 2000.