It’s every rookie’s dream: put on that NFL jersey, make the 53-man roster, and hear your name echo across packed stadiums. For some, the dream unfolds on Sundays. For others, it unravels on a quiet August evening when the spotlight isn’t kind. One minute you’re lining up for a routine play in a preseason game. The next, your body betrays you. No roar of the crowd, no grand farewell—just silence, confusion, and the sting of a dream cut short. And for Mike Tomlin’s young cornerback, that silence spoke louder than any injury report ever could.

If you don’t believe in fate, this story may change your mind. Cornerback Ryan Watts was just six years old when he fell in love with football. He honed his craft at Little Elm High School, quickly climbing the national rankings to become the 29th-best CB prospect in the country. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 212 pounds, he brought size and skill to every snap he played. His journey took him from Ohio State to Texas, and eventually to the NFL—selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round (195th overall) of the 2024 Draft.

Head coach Mike Tomlin was impressed from the start. He played Watts in all three preseason games. But the third—and final—preseason contest against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field turned into a nightmare. Late in the game, with under two minutes left, on a 2nd-and-5 play, Watts dropped in coverage—and didn’t get back up. His body shook involuntarily as he lay facedown on the turf. Teammates and coaches watched helplessly. Though he managed to walk off the field under his own power, the aftermath was far more serious than initially believed. Doctors later diagnosed a serious neck injury. The rookie’s debut season was over before it began.

This offseason, Mike Tomlin made the gut-wrenching call to release Watts. And with that, the 23-year-old announced his retirement from professional football. “I remain optimistic about the opportunities that lay ahead, and I am still very proud of how far I’ve come. My passion and determination are stronger than ever, and I trust that with God’s guidance, I will find the strength to embrace whatever comes next, my journey is far from over.”

Watts shared the heartfelt message on April 30 on X, along with a photo. In that post, he also thanked the Rooney Family, GM Omar Khan, Coach Mike Tomlin, and the entire Steelers organization for believing in him.

But his words were tinged with heartbreak—the kind only someone whose dream slipped away too soon can understand. Only 23 years old, his story is now a sobering reminder of the fragile nature of professional sports: that in one moment, years of preparation can be undone.

Mike Tomlin’s CB forced to retire

Back in January, Watts had posted a video from the hospital, neck immobilized in a brace. His caption struck a chord with many: “Through serious injury and all, I will remain optimistic because I can do ALL things through HIM. Road to recovery…” Unfortunately, the medical clearance he had hoped for never came.

Three days ago, his final statement perfectly summed up the pain in his heart.. “Mannnn yall boys cherish and enjoy this game of football. You never know which play could be your last 💔” The heartbreak emoji captured what no stat line ever could.

Tomlin had initially downplayed the injury, calling it a “stinger.” But the damage was deeper than expected—and permanent. Steelers GM Omar Khan released a statement in full support of the decision: “We all agree that it is in Ryan’s best interest to discontinue playing football at this time. We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.” The support is welcome—but for a young man who spent his whole life preparing for this moment, it’s no small transition.

Ryan Watts’ story echoes the lyrics of Tinie Tempah’s Written in the Stars—sometimes, no matter how hard you work, the outcome isn’t yours to control. And yet, if there’s any proof that character shines brightest in adversity, it’s in how Ryan has handled it. Calm, composed, and forward-looking. His dream ended before the opening kickoff—but it’s clear his journey is only just beginning.