Billy Price announces retirement from football after medical scare
COLUMBUS — Potential complications from a blood clot have caused former Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price to medically retire from football.
“In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away,” Price wrote on wrote on Instagram 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.”
Price played at Ohio State from 2013-17. He redshirted his freshman year but then started 55 games over the course of the next four seasons. In the process, Price surpassed former Buckeyes defensive lineman — and co-defensive coordinator and interim head coach — Luke Fickell for most consecutive starts. Plus, Price became a two-time captain.
Price’s first three seasons as a Buckeyes starter came at guard, starting with a national championship campaign in 2014. He switched to center in 2017, ahead of his final season with the Buckeyes, and ended up winning the Rimington Trophy, given annually to the top center in college football. Also that year, Price earned first-team All-Big Ten and unanimous All-American honors.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted him No. 21 overall in the 2018 draft. He spent three seasons with the Bengals. Along the way, he played in 42 games and made 19 starts — but of those 19 starts, 10 took place during his rookie year.
Notably, Price started 15 games for the New York Giants in 2021 and 11 games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. He also bounced around with a few practice squads, first with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and then with the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys in 2023.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have played in some of the greatest atmospheres around the world,” Price wrote Saturday in his social media post. “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.”
