Arizona Cardinals’ Tight End John Carlson Retires Suddenly

Photo © Steve Dykes/Getty Images.

After losing Jake Ballard during the 2014 training camp, the Arizona Cardinals have lost another tight end prior to the start of the 2015 season. John Carlson, a 30-year-old tight end who has played only one year for the club, has decided to call it quits, which puts the organization in a precarious situation.

Carlson retires post-draft and also way after the start of the free agency period, which means the Cardinals, unless there is a trade in the works, will likely stick with their current crop of tight ends: probable starter Troy Niklas, Darren Fells, seventh-round draft pick Gerald Christian, Ted Bolser and Ifeanyl Momah.

Still, should they be okay with this batch of potential players or could they benefit from going after Martellus Bennett or Zach Miller? Either way, losing Carlson is a big hit for the struggling Cards offense. Despite receiving the ball from three different quarterbacks in 2014 — Carlson Palmer, Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley — he remained consistent with 33 receptions, 350 yards and one touchdown.

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John Carlson did release a statement through the Arizona Cardinals, but did not specify his reasons for retiring. “After much thought and consideration, my wife Danielle and I know that this is the best decision for us,” Carlson said. “I was blessed to play seven seasons in the NFL for three tremendous organizations — the Cardinals, Vikings and Seahawks. I will always treasure the experiences and relationships made during that time, but I’m also very excited about the next phase of my life and what’s ahead.” Now, it is important to note that he has had a past filled with injuries, including concussions.

As for his teammates, Calais Campbell and Darren Fells both expressed their shock, calling Carlson’s decision a “huge surprise.” But even after that, they have nothing bad to say about the man.

“He’s a great player and a great guy to be on the team with, a great friend,” Campbell stated. “But in this business, once you kind of lose that confidence and the health, I mean, I don’t know what’s going on or why, but I know he’s had injuries throughout his career and that probably takes a toll. People think about the long-term effects on your body, so I get it. He will be missed. Wish we still had him.”

Carlson finishes his career with 210 receptions, 2,256 yards and 15 touchdowns.