Adrian Coxson Retires: Latest Comments and Reaction

Still dealing with the symptoms of a severe Grade 3 concussion, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Adrian Coxson announced his retirement from football Monday.

Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reported the news and added what Coxson had to say about his decision:

"

I'm retiring because I'm still having symptoms and my health is more important to me than the game of football. ... It's been recommended to me by two neurologists and two doctors to retire from football. The next hit to my head could possibly kill me or be life damaging. This last one could be life damaging. It has taken a great toll on me. This concussion was a bad one. A Grade 3 concussion is real serious.

[...] It's definitely tough. ... I worked hard all my life and I felt I was achieving my life-long goal. Unfortunately, I got hit in the head in practice and it was really bad for me. I couldn't describe how bad it is.

"

Coxson was an undrafted rookie out of Stony Brook and also spoke about his excitement about being on the receiving end of passes from Packers superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately, his career was derailed when he suffered a concussion on the third day of Green Bay's training camp.

This development will only draw more attention to player safety issues, particularly with regard to traumatic head injuries. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland retired earlier this year at the age of 24 because of such concerns—and his situation wasn't as severe as Coxson's.

The Packers have endured a tough offseason in their receiving corps. In addition to Coxson's abrupt retirement, star wideout Jordy Nelson tore his ACL, and Randall Cobb had a shoulder injury scare of his own during Week 3 of the preseason.

But the focus here is on Coxson's well-being, hoping he can make a full recovery and enjoy a high quality of life after his dream of competing on the gridiron at the highest level was cut short.