BREAKING: John Urschel set to retire from the NFL

We have surprising news today as offensive lineman John Usrchel has decided to retire from the NFL.

Ahead of their first full-team practice, the Baltimore Ravens have learned some troubling news. Offensive lineman John Usrchel will be retiring from the NFL after just four seasons with the team.

The Ravens tweeted the official news of the retirement and released a statement from head coach John Harbaugh.

Urschel, 26, was drafted by the Ravens in the 5th round of the 2014 draft and started 13 games over the course of his career.

After trading away Jeremy Zuttah earlier this offseason, he was expected to compete for the starting center spot. Now Ryan Jensen and Matt Skura are set to battle it out during training camp.

Urschel’s now adds to a long list of players that the Ravens have already lost this season. First it was Tavon Young, Dennis Pitta, Darren Waller, Kenneth Dixon and now Urschel. Not to mention, Joe Flacco is dealing with a back injury that could sideline him up to 6-weeks. This team cannot seem to catch a break.

The bottom line

From a football standpoint this isn’t good news for the Ravens, but this move makes sense for Urschel going forward.

Urschel is a Ph.D. candidate for mathematics at MIT and it’s clear he has bigger and better plans past the NFL. He’s smart enough to know the dangerous effects that the game of football has on the body and for him, continuing to play is not a risk he wants to take. To be mad at a player for that would be insane.

After recent studies found a large number of former NFL player to have C.T.E., this won’t be the last of early retirements that we see. Players come in knowing the risks they are taking, but as we learn more about these risks, it doesn’t look good long-term.

Next: 3 reasons you can’t call Kenneth Dixon a bust

We wish John Usrchel nothing but the best as he starts the next chapter in his life.