Redskins left tackle made six Pro Bowls
The news was expected, almost from the time he first was hurt in October. And Thursday, Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels will make it official: After 10 seasons, he’s retiring from the NFL.
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Samuels will make the announcement at a noon press conference at Redskins Park, ending a successful career because of injuries. Samuels declined comment Monday, wanting to save his talking for the press conference. But he confirmed the decision.
Samuels suffered a stinger in his neck in October. Samuels had been dealing with stenosis, a narrowing of the spine, since high school. That quickly led to intense speculation over his retirement as teammates said he told them he would retire. Another one said after last season that Samuels was tired of the injuries.
But Samuels had publicly said his plans were uncertain. He had wanted to wait until having his neck checked out this month before making a final decision. Three weeks ago he had said in a text message that he had not yet seen the doctor.
Regardless, whenever Samuels spoke about his future he said that he would like to play, but that he was at peace with whatever happened. He came across as someone who had accepted the end of his career.
He’ll leave as one of the best linemen to have played for Washington. Samuels played in six Pro Bowls, third most in franchise history.
He solidified the left side of the line since his arrival in 2000 as the third pick in the draft, one spot behind teammate LaVar Arrington.
Samuels missed only four games in his first eight seasons, but constantly battled nagging knee injuries. In 2008, he missed four games because of a knee injury. And this season he missed the final 11 games because of his neck injury.
Samuels’ pending retirement has forced the Redskins to look hard at left tackle in the draft and free agency. The line is in transition with Samuels gone and center Casey Rabach a free agent. Right guard Randy Thomas’ return is in question because of age and injuries.
