Carl Nicks forced to retire following mutual release from Buccaneers
Two years ago Carl Nicks was arguably the top guard in the NFL and after nine games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the last two seasons, Nicks may have played his last down in the league.
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According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, Nicks and the Buccaneers mutually agreed to end his time in Tampa and Nicks has elected to step away from the game.
Tampa signed the former All-Pro guard on the first day of free agency two years ago when he signed a 5-year, $47.5 million deal with $31 million in guarantees in March 2012. He received $25 million for playing in 9 games for them after an MRSA infection in his left toe led to surgery.
Former Bucs and Saints G Carl Nicks: "After careful consideration, I have made the decision to step away from the game."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2014
Lovie Smith in Bucs release on Carl Nicks: "I know Carl gave this decision a lot of careful consideration and I appreciate his honesty."
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 25, 2014
It is always unfortunate when an athlete has to walk away from the game as a result of concussions or other injury, but it’s especially sad when a staph infection he contracted in the Buccaneers locker room contributed to his early exit from the NFL.
He could have been a potential Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate if not for the MRSA infection, but sadly his career is over as he is not physically able to continue playing the game he once dominated.
Nicks was a two-time All-Pro selection after the Saints took him in the fifth round out of Nebraska in the 2008 NFL Draft.