Washington Redskins UDFA Sean Welsh retires from football

Former Iowa Hawkeyes center Sean Welsh signed with the Washington Redskins recently, suggesting that he could be an option for the team on the offensive interior. That changed earlier today.

Welsh was one of several undrafted free agents attending the Washington Redskins rookie minicamp earlier today. When acquired, there was a belief among the Washington Redskins fanbase that Sean Welsh could be a key player on the offensive interior. He hailed from a perceived offensive lineman factory in Iowa, and he was known to have versatility to play both center and guard.

Now, however, it appears that Welsh will not be joining the Washington Redskins. The former Big Ten lineman posted on Facebook earlier today that he will be retiring from the game of football. The news was relayed by Adam Rossow, and again by local reporter J.P. Finlay.

Welsh’s retirement announcement is abrupt. It is conveyed in his announcement that he was truly grateful for the opportunity he received from the Washington Redskins. The lineman received draftable grades from various analysts, and while he went undrafted, there was a belief that he would separate himself from the rest of the pack. Now, that won’t happen.

While Welsh’s decision won’t impact the roster, as he was a new addition with a relatively low chance of sticking, the Washington Redskins are getting thinner at guard. Arie Kouandjio was reported to have suffered a serious quad injury earlier today. Aside from him, the battle at left guard is down to Shawn Lauvao, Kyle Kalis, and Tyler Catalina, unless a dark horse enters the race, or the team opts to move Ty Nsekhe there instead.

Right now, from the surface, the decision may not make sense to some. Playing football at the professional level is an opportunity that very few are able to take. But at the same time, that commitment is daunting, and it isn’t for everyone. And at this young age, crucial life decisions are being made. Choices have long-term implications.

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Welsh has done some very good work for people battling depression and mental illness. That work is well-documented, as Welsh himself suffered from similar illnesses in the past. Perhaps, he plans to work in that field. Whatever his next course of action is, we at Riggo’s Rag respect his decision, and wish him well in wherever life takes him next.