Read how the Steelers released safety Ryan Watts after a career-ending neck injury: details on the injury, surgery, team decision, and Watts’s future.
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced today that they have released safety Ryan Watts after he suffered a severe neck injury during last Sunday’s matchup. Watts, 27, who signed with the Steelers in 2023, sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter, bringing an abrupt end to what had been a promising NFL career.
A Promising Talent Cut Short
Ryan Watts arrived in Pittsburgh after three solid seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he totaled 210 tackles, 5 interceptions, and quickly developed a reputation for physical play and leadership in the secondary. In his first year with the Steelers, he made 42 tackles and added a forced fumble in 10 appearances—numbers that hinted at a breakout season ahead.
The Injury and Its Aftermath
- Incident Details: In the closing minutes of a tight contest against the Baltimore Ravens, Watts collided helmet-to-helmet while attempting to stop a third-down conversion.
- Medical Diagnosis: Team physicians diagnosed a herniated disc in his cervical spine, with initial reports warning of significant risk should he attempt to return to play.
- Immediate Response: Watts was immobilized on the field and transported to UPMC Presbyterian, where he underwent surgery on Monday to stabilize the affected vertebrae.
Official Steelers Statement
Head Coach Mike Tomlin expressed deep regret at the decision: “Ryan fought through every drill and every snap. This was never about performance but health. We wish him the very best beyond football.” The organization confirmed they will cover all medical expenses and assist Watts with his transition into post-playing life.
Reactions from Teammates and Fans
- Teammates: Veteran linebacker T.J. Watt called Ryan “one of the toughest guys I’ve ever met,” adding that the locker room is “behind him 100 percent.
- ”Supporters: Steelers Nation flooded social media with well-wishes, using #StandWithRyan and sharing highlights of his standout plays.
From Undrafted Free Agent to Defensive Mainstay
- Early Years with Carolina (2019–2022): Ryan Watts carved out a role on special teams before earning a starting safety spot in his third season. He posted career highs in tackles (85) and passes defended (7) in 2022, earning praise for his range and tackling prowess.
- Joining the Steelers (2023): Signed to bolster a secondary in transition, Ryan Watts immediately won over teammates with his professionalism and film-study habits. His blend of coverage skill and run-support ability projected him as a pillar of Pittsburgh’s defense.
The Injury That Changed Everything
The Play: Late in the fourth quarter of a one-score game against Baltimore, Watts launched himself into the backfield to stop a screen pass. The helmet-to-helmet collision left him motionless on the turf.
Medical Findings: After emergency stabilization and MRI scans, doctors identified a herniated cervical disc threatening spinal cord integrity if he returned to live contact. Surgeons performed an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion the following day.
Broader Impact on NFL Safety Protocols
Watts’s injury reignites the conversation around player safety, particularly helmet-to-helmet collisions. League executives have hinted at reviewing targeting rules and introducing stricter penalties to deter dangerous hits.
What’s Next for Watts?
While an on-field comeback is off the table, Ryan Watts has expressed interest in coaching or scouting. “Football’s given me so much,” he said in a brief statement. “I look forward to staying part of this game in any way I can.”
As Ryan Watts begins his recovery, the Steelers will turn to rookie free agent backup Jordan Hall to fill the safety position. Meanwhile, Watts’s story serves as a stark reminder of both the physical risks players face and the resilience they show in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
While Watts’s playing days are over, his influence on and off the field endures. The Steelers face the challenge of replacing a reliable safety, but Ryan Watts’s legacy—both as a competitor and as an advocate for safer play—will resonate throughout the organization for years to come see more.