LB Emanuel retires from NFL

Free agent linebacker Kyle Emanuel announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. Selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Emanuel spent four years with the franchise. He has played in 63 games for the franchise. A Nebraska native, he played collegiately at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.

He played out his four-year, $2.5 million rookie contract and had visited the Detroit Lions and had drawn other interest from other teams, according to multiple reports. In his Twitter post on Thursday, the 27-year-old Emanuel said injuries have played a part in his retirement.

"There is no one specific reason why I came to this decision, but as I contemplated it this offseason, something told me it was time to walk away," he wrote. "Although it wasn't the sole reason, the injuries have started to pile up and I had to take my long-term health into consideration. I have no idea what will come next which is scary and exciting at the same time but I can't wait to get started on whatever it is." Emanuel ends his career with 133 tackles (11 for loss), 10 quarterback hits, four sacks and two interceptions.

--Field Level Media

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)