Arizona Cardinals center Billy Price pauses on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo /Ross D. Franklin).
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Austintown Fitch graduate Billy Price announced that he is recovering from a pulmonary embolism and is retiring from the National Football League.
He made the announcement on social media Saturday morning.
In the blink of an eye they can take everything away from you. On April 24, I had emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a clot that was entering both lungs. As a healthy 29-year-old, an unprovoked pulmonary embolism with no further medical explanation is terrifying. I am truly grateful to be alive today. Unfortunately, I will be retiring from the NFL as the risk of internal bleeding while on blood thinners creates a tremendous risk.
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have played in some of the best environments in the world. I am grateful to have coached and played alongside men who will continue to earn recognition on Pro Bowls, All Pro Rosters and Hall of Fames.
To my wife: this career would not have been possible without your continued love and support. The sacrifices she has made throughout my career do not go unnoticed. I can’t wait to navigate the next chapter of life with you as we continue to grow our family.
Billy Price
Price entered the National Football League as the 21st overall pick of the Cincinnati Bengals.
After three seasons in Cincinnati, he was traded to the New York Giants. He later spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys (practice squad).
The 29-year-old appeared in 69 career NFL games with 45 starts.
During his college career at Ohio State, the two-time All-American was a four-year starter for the Buckeyes. As a senior at OSU, he won the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the best center in the country. He was also named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year after his final college season.
During his high school career at Austintown Fitch, Price was inducted into the WKBN Big 22 Class of 2012.
