Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds, who became an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career on Tuesday afternoon, will instead to choose to retire, according to a statement released by his agent, Jason Bernstein, on Twitter early on Wednesday morning.
“I appreciate all of the interest from the organizations that have reached out to us the past few days,” the statement reads. “With that being said, after much thought and consideration, I have chosen to step away from football as I have opted to pursue other interests. I am especially grateful of the opportunity to play before some of the greatest fans in football today. Despite any concern and speculation that may ensue, I appreciate those that are respectful of my decisions.”
Worilds, who is only 27, played his entire career with the Steelers after being drafted out of Virginia Tech in 2010. He was the Steelers’ transition player in 2014, when he started all 16 games, mostly playing left outside linebacker, and recorded 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and an interception.
According to a report by CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, Worilds was connected to rumored contract offers from the Steelers and Tennessee Titans, where former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is coaching, in the days leading up to his announcement, but Worilds apparently has decided to forgo football for further spiritual enlightenment.
Worilds' reps have told teams this week that he was grappling with his future and likely to pursue a new career path, PIT and TEN among them
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2015
Worilds had undergone a spiritual awakening and his calling is now in that domain. Wish him all the best in his new pursuits
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2015
Photo credit: ESPN
