Former Utah DE Kylie Fitts Retires From NFL
Apr 16, 2022, 3:44 PM
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kylie Fitts (49) walking out before an NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams on December 29, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former University of Utah defensive end Kylie Fitts announced that he has retired from the NFL due to medical reasons.
Kylie Fitts played four seasons in the NFL after a successful college career at Utah.
Fitts spent one season with the Chicago Bears, before ending his career in Arizona, spending the last three seasons with the Cardinals. The former Utah standout announced his decision on Friday via Instagram.
After 21 years of playing, football has come to an end for me,” Fitts posted. “Due to too many concussions and the severity of my recent one, it is no longer safe for me to continue to play. I am so grateful for this game and everything it has taught and brought into my life. Thank you to all my coaches and teammates throughout my career. I am also thankful for my family and wife who have supported me through all the up’s and downs and special thank you to my dad.
“Spent countless hours, early mornings and late nights helping me reach my goal of always wanting to play in the NFL,” Fitts continued. “I believe we were created beyond just playing the game. I know God has great plans for me and my family and I’m so excited for what he has in store for me next!”
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Fitts was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round, 181st overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. In four seasons, he played in 28 games, recording 15 tackles, one QB hit and a forced fumble.
The former Ute spent three seasons at Utah from 2015-17 as a transfer from UCLA. During his time in Salt Lake City, Fitts had 67 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and 11 pass deflections.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports.
