The Washington Redskins started their rookie minicamp on Friday. The camp features top draft picks Daron Payne, Derrius Guice and Gerod Christian along with other drafted and undrafted rookies. One of those rookies that did not show and will not is undrafted rookie offensive lineman Sean Welsh. Instead of the former Iowa Hawkeye going over the Redskins playbook with offensive line coach Bill Callahan, Welsh announced his retirement from football.
In a Facebook post, Welsh cited no longer having the “unwavering desire” to play football.
“After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to retire from the game of football,” Welsh said on Facebook. “Although this decision might feel quick for many, but I’ve had apprehension about pursuing a professional career for some time.”
Here's Sean Welsh's full announcement. #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/lvCKoth7QT
— Adam Rossow (@AdamJRossow) May 11, 2018
Despite being undrafted, Welsh was signed with the Redskins with high expectations. With the Redskins searching for a long-term answer at left guard, Welsh was expected to have an inside track at working to stay on the roster and in the organization. However, on the day in which the team learned they may be without one of their holdovers from last season at left guard, Arie Kouandjio, due to a quad injury, the Redskins will have to search for another project to hopefully strengthen depth at the position.
Welsh’s career at Iowa started off slow as he battled depression his first year in Iowa City in 2014. There was a time that it appeared he may have walked away from football then. However, he battled through with medication and started every game in 2015.
“Everybody has been very receptive,” Welsh said per Scott Dochterman of Land of 10. “I think I’ve been very forthright with my experience. It’s something, I think is a real crisis in this country. You look at a lot of recent events, it’s a big issue, a hot-button issue, just mental health in general. I’d like to be someone who can bring that kind of perspective to a locker room because people are sensitive talking about it and guys, it’s something that I’ve had teammates at Iowa talk to me. I’d like to be kind of a resource for a team, in a way.”
He displayed versatility across the offensive line, both guard positions and right tackle in his four-year career. Ultimately catching the eye of the Redskins front office. His array of skill gave him a good chance of being part of the O-line depth in Washington. However, Welsh’s path in life will no longer include football.
