Offensive lineman Billy Price, Bengals 2018 first-round pick, retires due to risk caused by blood clot

Billy Price, an offensive lineman who was a 2018 first-round pick for the Cincinnati Bengals and played five NFL seasons, announced his retirement on Saturday due to the risks associated with a blood clot.

“In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away,” Price wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”

In 2018, the Bengals selected Price as the 21st overall pick. He played three seasons for them, participating in 42 games with 19 starts. Showing promise as a rookie, Price started 10 games. However, over the following two years, he only started in nine games. He was later traded to the New York Giants and began 15 games for them in 2021. In 2022, Price started 11 games for the Arizona Cardinals. He also spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys, including a stint on the Dallas practice squad last year.

“Price wrote, “I express my deepest gratitude for getting the chance to experience the euphoria of playing in some of the world’s most remarkable atmospheres. I am grateful to have been trained and played with individuals who will persist in making Pro Bowls, All Pro Rosters and earning Hall of Fame recognitions.”

To my beloved spouse, it is your unyielding love and support that made this career feasible. Your sacrifices throughout my professional journey have been duly acknowledged. I am eager to traverse the forthcoming phase in our lives together, as we expand our family.