Jaguars defensive lineman Rodney Gunter has retired from football.
The 28-year-old veteran made the announcement Sunday after it was revealed that he has a serious heart condition.
“These last three weeks have been a hard pill to swallow,” he posted on Twitter. “Seeing my dreams directly in front of me has been extremely difficult. After seeing several heart specialists I was told if I continued to play ball with my condition, I could rupture or rupture my aorta, which. can cause a sudden death or a severe stroke.
“There is a 50/50 chance that surgery will repair my current state of health. But at the moment I do not meet the criteria to undergo the operation. Those who qualify must have 5.5+ cm enlarged aorta, while mine measures 5.0 cm. At the moment I can not play or do the operation, so I have to wait. That at the moment is the best choice for me and my family to get away from this game.
“I appreciate the Jaguars for giving me a chance, and I’m grateful to everyone who believed in me along the way. Thank you!”
Gunter, who plans to be a reserve for Jacksonville, was placed on the list of active illnesses / non-football to begin training camp.
The defensive approach / end signed a three-year deal with the Jags in March after playing five seasons for the Cardinals, where a career-high 13 games began in 2019. Gunter counted 126 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in Arizona that selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft from Delaware State.
