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Husain Abdullah Announces His Retirement, Citing Concussions

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By Christopher Gates
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Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

It's not often we touch on the retirement of players that don't play for the Vikings anymore, but I think this one is worth a mention.

Husain Abdullah, who started his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, has announced his retirement after seven NFL seasons.

After 7 years in the NFL, I am retiring. I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings for giving me an opportunity to make the team after going undrafted in 2008. I experienced a great deal of growth both as a football player and as a person during my 4 years in Minnesota. Thank you. The Kansas City Chiefs will forever have a special place in my heart. 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. Thank you. There are numerous deciding factors in my decision, with personal health being foremost. Sitting for five weeks last year after suffering the fifth concussion of my career, I had a lot to contemplate. 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. Thank you to everyone I've crossed paths with during my time as a player. You've had an impact on my life for the better. Thanks for the love and support. It's greatly appreciated. #chiefskingdom #Peace✌ ️

A photo posted by Husain Abdullah (@habdullah39) on

Abdullah cited concussions as the primary reason for his retirement, making the announcement on Instagram earlier today. In 2015, Abdullah suffered the fifth concussion of his career, causing him to miss five games. The first four concussions of his career came in a 15-month stretch as a member of the Vikings, the last of which caused him to miss the final seven games of the 2011 season.

After a very good college career at Washington State University, Abdullah signed with the Vikings after going undrafted in 2008. He was a bench player and special teamer in his first two seasons, but finally grabbed a starting safety spot in 2010. He collected four interceptions in his four seasons as a member of the Vikings, with three of those coming in 2010.

After that 2011 season, Abdullah took a one-year sabbatical from the NFL so that he and his older brother Hamza, both devout Muslims, could make their Hajj to Mecca. He then signed with the Chiefs prior to the 2013 season and performed pretty well, including a two-interception game in the 2013 playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts.

Here's hoping for the best for Husain Abdullah as he moves on from the National Football League.

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