Sidney Rice, who thought by many after a pro-bowl campaign in 2009, was thought to be a very gifted and talented young receiver with a bright future ahead of him in the National Football League. After injury shortened seasons, he has hung up his cleats at the age of 27.
Citing his long-term health after three injury plagued seasons in four years, the former pro-bowl receiver announced his retirement through the Seattle Seahawks official website on Wednesday.
Rice totaled 242 receptions for 3,592 yards and 30 touchdowns in seven seasons in the league.
The 44th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Rice would have his best season in 2009 with the Vikings. Rice would roll to an 83-catch, 1,312-yard, eight touchdown season with Brett Farve under center in which the Vikings made it to the NFC Championship game, and put Rice in the eyes of many, as one of the top receivers in the League. Hip surgery would derail most of the 2010 season for Rice, but Rice would come back in November to be a key factor in victories over the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles while sustaining a season ending concussion in the Eagles game.
Rice would not resign with Minnesota in 2011 and was picked up by the Seahawks on a 5-year, $41-million deal. Rice would be placed on injured reserve during the 2011 season. Rice would have a decent 2012, his best season with the Seahawks under rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, 50-catches, 748-yards and seven touchdowns in a season where the Seahawks fell seconds short of the NFC title game. He was also a member of the 2013 Super Bowl Championship team but only played eight games after tearing his ACL against the St. Louis Rams.
Rice was released by the Seahawks in the off-season in a salary cap move. But was resigned on February 28th in hopes of making the 2014 team and defending the Super Bowl Championship. After reconsidering his health, he has decided to walk away after a seven year career.