John Moffitt, a third-year guard with the Denver Broncos, informed the team that he is quitting the game immediately, citing his health and happiness and leaving more than $1 million in salary behind.
In an interview with the Associated Press published Wednesday, Moffitt said he was tired of risking his own health and looked forward to starting his new life beyond the game:
"I'm not trying to be the poster boy for 'Oh, I thought I should leave because of concussions.' I'm just saying, it's a valid point," Moffitt said. "I love the game and I respect the game and everybody who plays it knows what they risk and I knew what I risked when I played, and I'm no longer willing to risk it."
Denver Post Broncos beat writer Mike Klis first tweeted yesterday afternoon that something that Moffitt, who had played in only two games this season due to injury, might be making some changes:
Broncos' G John Moffitt is doing some soul searching. Didn't show up after bye. Frustrated with lack of playing time.
Mike Klis
@MikeKlis
Broncos' G John Moffitt is doing some soul searching. Didn't show up after bye. Frustrated with lack of playing time.
Moffitt then confirmed everyone's suspicions shortly thereafter, even throwing in a little Goodell-directed gallows humor:
Football was fun but my head hurts-haha kidding roger goodell. I'm on to new things, thanks to everyone along the way!!!
John Moffitt
@Moffitt74
Football was fun but my head hurts-haha kidding roger goodell. I'm on to new things, thanks to everyone along the way!!!
Dear @KFUCKINGP I totally understand why u faked ur own death in order to get out of the majors. So much easier ur way. Love the real kp
John Moffitt
@Moffitt74
Dear @KFUCKINGP
I totally understand why u faked ur own death in order to get out of the majors. So much easier ur way.
Love the real kp
Above all, Moffitt told the AP, he's ready to put his brief NFL career behind him and — at age of 27 — start again with something new.
"I'm ready to go to work and start doing other things right now," Moffitt said. "So, it's a smoother transition and I'm still young enough to start a career and my body's healthy and I'm good. I look at it as a great start to life, you know?"