Adrian Coxson, cut by Packers, says next hit could 'kill me or be life-damaging'

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Adrian Coxson, who was taken off the Green Bay Packers' practice field in an ambulance on Aug. 1, announced his retirement from football Monday, saying the "next hit to my head could possibly kill me or be life-damaging."

The rookie wide receiver, who was taken to the hospital for more tests after experiencing severe dizziness on the third day of training camp, was later diagnosed with a Grade 3 concussion.

"I'm retiring because I'm still having symptoms, and my health is more important to me than the game of football," Coxson told the National Football Post."It's been recommended to me by two neurologists and two doctors to retire from football.

"This last [hit to my head] could be life-damaging. It has taken a great toll on me. This concussion was a bad one. A Grade 3 concussion is real serious."

The Packers released Coxson on Aug. 17 with the seldom-used designation of "failure to disclose physical condition." However, Coxson's agent, Jonathan Herbst, said they disputed that claim and reached an injury settlement with the Packers in addition to the $5,000 signing bonus he received as an undrafted free agent out of Stony Brook.

"I think he's making the right decision," Herbst told ESPN on Monday. "His health is more important than football."

Coxson, 23, said in the interview that he's still not back to 100 percent.

"Unfortunately, I got hit in the head in practice and it was really bad for me," he said. "I couldn't describe how bad it is. I'm blessed to have my life right now. I'll see how things work out as far as my health, but my health isn't in tip-top shape right now because of the concussion."