Cincinnati Bengals helmet (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
A former Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick and fan favorite has announced his retirement following a terrifying blood clot issue that required emergency surgery.

On his Instagram account, former Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price announced that he is retiring at the age of 29 after undergoing “emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot” that was stuck in both of his longs.

Price, citing the dangerous risk of internal bleeding, has decided to put his health and safety first by hanging up the cleats:

“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.

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have played in some of the greatest atmospheres around the world. I am thankful to have trained and played alongside men who will continue to make Pro Bowls, All Pro Rosters and Hall of Fame recognitions.

To my wife: this career would not have been possible without your continued love and support. The sacrifices you have made over the course of my career do not go unnoticed. I cannot wait to navigate the next chapter in life with you as we continue to grow our family.”

Price was a star offensive lineman at Ohio State before the Bengals drafted him in the first round (21st overall) back in 2018. He was a 2017 unanimous All-American and Rimington Trophy winner who helped the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2014.

Price spent his first three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals as they endured a rebuilding phase that saw Joe Burrow take over as the new franchise quarterback in 2020. Price appeared in 42 games over his three seasons with Cincy, making 19 starts.

The 6-foot-4, 308-pound Price then joined the New York Giants in the 2021 season, taking over as their starting center. After one year there, he joined the Arizona Cardinals and started 11 games in the last season of his NFL career.

Ted Karras Solved Cincinnati Bengals’ Search For A Center

Billy Price never quite developed into the Pro Bowl-caliber center the Bengals envisioned, but they also didn’t give him enough playing time to hone his craft. In the final years of the Andy Dalton-Marvin Lewis era, the Bengals had more draft misses than hits.

Fortunately for Joe Burrow, the Bengals found their long-term solution at center when they landed longtime New England Patriot Ted Karras in 2022 free agency. The two-time Super Bowl champion has been a vital part of the Bengals’ o-line, drastically improving Burrow’s pass protection after their tough Super Bowl 56 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.