Former Broncos Captain David Bruton Jr. Retires from NFL at 30

Former Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins safety David Bruton Jr. announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday at the age of 30.

According to ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold, Bruton made the decision official on his birthday and cited both a lack of passion for the game as well as health concerns as reasons after suffering six concussions during his career.

Per Legwold, Bruton discussed the importance of having a sharp mind and the fact that it played into his choice to step away from the game:

"I'm burnt-out, definitely worry about my health. Another season was cut short by a concussion [in 2016]—that's six. I'm a guy who likes to use his brain. Especially back in school, I need as many brain cells as possible with all these science classes. It came down to health, and I've definitely had my time in the league. I'm ready to move on."

Bruton spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Broncos and was primarily a special teams ace who served as the team's captain in that capacity.

The 2009 fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame was also a key backup within Denver's secondary, registering three career interceptions in a reserve role.

After winning a Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015, Bruton signed with the Redskins prior to the 2016 season, but he appeared in just four games before suffering a concussion and subsequently getting released.

Bruton had a workout with the Baltimore Ravens during the offseason, but he knew shortly thereafter it was time to retire, saying, "I just didn't have it in me anymore to do it."

He already has his post-NFL plans in place, as Bruton is attending the University of Colorado-Denver in hopes of eventually becoming a physical therapist.