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Luke Willson announces surprise retirement one day after rejoining Seahawks

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 8/25/21

One day after exciting many Seattle Seahawks fans with his return, tight end Luke Willson decided to abruptly retire from the NFL.

Willson, a veteran tight end who entered the league with the Seahawks and became a fan favorite, returned to the team Tuesday as a free agent. One day later, he announced on Twitter his decision to retire, citing the fact that he spent part of the offseason hospitalized with a severe pericardial effusion which changed his perspective on life.

pic.twitter.com/6nZUvAwRH0

— Luke Willson (@LWillson_82) August 25, 2021

While Willson wasn’t the biggest part of Seattle’s offense during its run to consecutive Super Bowls, he was a hugely popular figure who stepped up in key moments. He was responsible for converting a vital two-point conversion late in regulation of Seattle’s eventual NFC Championship Game win over Green Bay in 2015.

It’s not a crushing loss for the Seahawks, but it’s a shame for Willson, who carved out a nice NFL career. The 31-year-old walks away having accumulated 1,307 career receiving yards and 11 touchdown catches.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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