A Seattle Seahawks player is retiring
The Seattle Seahawks have a few questions on offense in the offseason. The team needs to figure out what they will do with starting quarterback Geno Smith, who is set to hit free agency. On Tuesday, a starting offensive lineman for the Seahawks announced his retirement at age 30.
Austin Blythe is retiring
Seattle Seahawks center Austin Blythe posted on his Instagram account that he intends to retire:
“I always told myself I wouldn’t do some long winded retirement post, but I’m not sure how to leave behind a game that’s afforded myself, and my family, so many opportunities without giving it at least some words.
The last 7 years have been nothing short of amazing. For a short, unathletic, undersized kid from Iowa, I’ve played a lot of football, met countless coaches and teammates that I can call friends, and made enough memories for myself and my family to last a lifetime. I am so grateful, and extremely blessed, to have played the game for any amount of time, let alone 7 years. The game has been a huge part of our lives for the last 12 years, dating all the way back to college. For everything the game has taught me about life, I will cherish it forever.
To all of the people who helped me achieve everything I could have dreamed of, thank you. I cannot express enough what each of you mean to me. From high school coaches, college coaches, NFL coaches, each organization I was lucky enough to play for, friends, family….I could not have done anything without your support. Again, THANK YOU!
Lastly, I want to say thank you to my wife, Kiley and our kids. Without her and the innumerable number of sacrifices she willingly chose to make, I would not have had the opportunities to play a game I love. Pretty much everything good in my life is due to her, and I cannot wait to spend my retirement returning everything I can to her. To my kids, thank you as well. Although none of them may remember everything about this journey, I am so glad they were along for the ride. I love you all!
Retirement here we come!”
Blythe’s career
Blythe was drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams before signing with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Blythe started in all 18 games for the Seahawks this season and postseason. According to Spotrac, Blythe was set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
