Ellis Hobbs Plans to Retire After Second Neck Injury in Two Years

Without directly saying the words, Ellis Hobbs has announced his retirement from the National Football League.

Hobbs was carted off the field during the November 21 matchup against the New York Giants after helmet-to-helmet contact during a kick return. The neck injury marks the second for the 27-year-old in the last two seasons.

“I can look at it in so many ways, but I can look at it in the most positive way... I’m getting out just in time: with my health, my family, and it’s time to move on to the next career,” Hobbs said during an interview with Comcast SportsNet.

Hobbs was listed as the No. 2 cornerback on the Eagles depth chart at the time of the injury. He has since been placed on injured reserve and replaced by Dimitri Patterson.

Patterson's performance has been solid since taking over and many believe he would have taken Hobb's position even if he did choose to return to play.

Whether he would have been named starter or not is irrelevant. It's unfortunate to see anybody forced to retire due to injury.

Hobbs would not give a direct answer as to whether or not he would officially retire, but the chances of him overcoming the injury and playing again in the NFL are very unlikely.

“Honestly, I’m telling you man, I don’t want to sit here and be one way or the other and come back and have to make a retraction, but if you just listen to the words I’m saying and know who I am personally, then the answer’s there,” Hobbs told CSN.