Miami TE retires due to concussion fears

Risk involved with playing American football forces Cameron to make decision

MIAMI: Jordan Cameron, a tight end for six NFL seasons, said Friday he will retire because of health concerns related to concussions rather than seek a free agent contract for 2017.

Cameron, 28, played only three games for the Miami Dolphins last season after receiving the fourth concussion of his career, making eight catches for 60 yards.

"I started thinking about concussions too much," Cameron told ESPN. "You can't play football like that.

"If I didn't get concussions, I'd probably keep playing. It's one of those things. I can't risk my mental health in the future. I don't have any symptoms now. I'm perfectly fine.

"But they can't tell me with 100 percent certainty that if I keep playing and I get more concussions, that I'm going to be OK. I'm not risking that at all. There's nothing more important than your health. It's just not worth it to me."

Last November, after being placed on injured reserve, Cameron was leaning toward returning next season.

Cameron made 35 receptions for 386 yards in starting all 16 games for Miami in 2015. His best campaign was with Cleveland in 2013, when he caught 80 passes for 917 yards and seven touchdowns.