NFL center Billy Price announces retirement due to medical condition

Former Ohio State and NFL offensive lineman Billy Price announced his retirement from football on Saturday, he announced.

Price was a first-round selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2018 NFL Draft. He made 45 career starts at center across 69 games combined with the Bengals, New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.

“In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away,” he wrote in a post on Instagram on Saturday. “On April 24th I had emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both of my lungs. 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.”

During his NFL career, Price spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints during the 2022 and 2023 offseasons and most recently was with the Dallas Cowboys during 2023, but did not play.

In college, Price was a part of the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes squad that won the first-ever College Football Playoff. As a senior in 2017, Price won the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded to the best center in the country that season. He was selected as a unanimous First Team All-American. He went on to be named to the PFWA All-Rookie team after his first season with the Bengals, who drafted him No. 21 overall in 2018.

Before that, he played for his hometown school Austintown Fitch (OH) High School. He played defensive line as well, where he was a First Team All-State selection and Division I Co-Defensive Player of the Year in Ohio (AP). He was also on the track & field team where he competed in the discus and shot put.