[Topeka Capital-Journal] Chiefs right tackle John Welbourn, who had missed the last two weeks of offseason practices for what the team said were family reasons, told the club Thursday that he intends to retire immediately.
Welbourn, 30, completed his seventh NFL season and second with the Chiefs last year. He started 10 games at right tackle in 2004, his first year with the team after being traded from Philadelphia, before missing the final six with knee and hip injuries.
Welbourn, in a letter sent to the Chiefs’ office late Thursday afternoon, said he was considering going to law school. The University of California graduate first told the Chiefs of his retirement considerations several weeks ago.
“Most guys play until they can’t play anymore,” Welbourn told the Associated Press. “But I feel good physically and I’ve been playing well. I’m leaving on a high note.”
