Nov 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Chiefs tight end Sean McGrath (84) against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs tight end Sean McGrath’s sudden retirement from football came as a surprise.
While the Chiefs haven’t provided details, McGrath’s agent, John Owens, offered an explanation Tuesday during a telephone interview.
“Sean was concerned he no longer had the spark to get ready to play football,” Owens said, “and he didn’t want to be a detriment to the Chiefs.”
Speaking on behalf of his client, Owens said McGrath has “tremendous respect” for the Chiefs organization and enjoyed playing for coach Andy Reid.
Owens didn’t disclose what’s next for his client, but said McGrath prefers not to be interviewed at this time.
The 26-year-old McGrath attended the Chiefs’ voluntary organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. He reported on time for training camp on Wednesday, July 23, but didn’t participate in practice for three straight days before Reid confirmed McGrath’s status.
“McGrath is going to retire,” Reid said following Saturday’s practice. “That’s what we’ve been told by him and I wish him the best. He’s a good kid and it was a personal decision he made.”
The Chiefs claimed McGrath off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 1, 2013, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
Known as “The Beard,” McGrath led the Chiefs’ tight ends in receptions (26) and yards receiving (302) in 2013, adding two touchdowns.
He appeared in 16 regular-season games with nine starts, and played in the AFC Wild Card Game.
McGrath, a native of Mundelein, Ill., entered the league in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Henderson State with the Seahawks.
He appeared in 18 games (two with Seattle) during a two-year playing career.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs placed McGrath on the reserve/did not report list on Saturday evening and claimed tight end Adam Schiltz off waivers from the Tennessee Titans.
The Chiefs have tight ends Anthony Fasano, Travis Kelce, Demetrius Harris, Richard Gordon and Schiltz in training camp.
