Sept. 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) takes the field during pregame introductions at Arrowhead Stadium. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Free safety Husain Abdullah, who played for the Chiefs the past three seasons, took to social media Monday morning to announce his retirement on his Instagram page.
Abdullah said in his announcement there were “numerous deciding factors” that led to his decision, citing “personal health” as a primary contributor.
Abdullah, who turns 31 on July 27, points out he suffered a fifth concussion on his seven-year career the past season.
The concussion, which occurred during practice on Dec. 3, caused Abdullah to miss five regular-season games before he returned for the two postseason contests.
“Sitting for five weeks last year after suffering the fifth concussion of my career, I had a lot to contemplate,” Abdullah wrote in the announcement. “My goals moving forward are to be of benefit to my family, my community, my country and hopefully the world. Having a sound mind will be vital in accomplishing these goals.”
The 6-0, 204-pound Abdullah, who played the 2015 season in the final year of his contract, entered the league in 2008 as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played four seasons.
Abdullah, a devout Muslim, sat out the 2012 season to make the pilgrimage to Mecca before joining the Chiefs in 2013.
“The Kansas City Chiefs will forever have a special place in my heart,” Abdullah wrote. “After sitting out of football to fulfill my Hajj Pilgrimage in 2012, The Chiefs were the first to call. The three years I spent playing for KC may have been the most enjoyable football experience in my entire life.”
Abdullah became a key contributor on defense, appearing in 43 games with 21 starts and totaling 127 tackles (104 solo), two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and 13 passes defensed over the past three seasons.
With Abdullah’s retirement and Tyvon Branch now with the Arizona Cardinals, the Chiefs are left with Eric Berry, Ron Parker and Daniel Sorensen as the only returning players to log significant playing time at the safety position from the 2015 season.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed last week that cornerback Jamell Fleming, who returns on a one-year deal, will move to safety. The Chiefs also have Jordan Kovacs, who signed a reserve/future deal in January. Kovacs has appeared in 28 career games, all with the Miami Dolphins.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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