Jets newcomer Ryan Kalil admits it was ‘hard’ moving on from football

Following the 2018 season, former longtime Carolina Panthers star center Ryan Kalil decided to step away from the game.

However, this has become a short-lived choice as he has inked a deal to sign with the New York Jets. The decision to retire was something that didn’t sit well with him at this point in his career as he had a difficult time adjusting to his life after football, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

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“I had a hard time moving on, I had a hard time turning the page,” the five-time Pro Bowl center said. “I think most players go through this, but especially coming off 2018. Healthy, feeling great, feeling spry. I just felt like I had more football in me.”

This is a transition that many players struggle to deal with after they decide to step away from the NFL. It’s a lifestyle and the passion for the game that many of them struggle to adjust to. Ryan Kalil had been set on retiring after last season as early as the previous offseason.

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At the same time, the chance to play with a rising star quarterback in Sam Darnold was an opportunity that he felt was too good to pass up on. The addition of Ryan Kalil is a major upgrade to the offensive line. It adds a five-time Pro Bowler to the mix that has been one of the best players at his position.

The Jets are planning on bringing him along slowly as he adjusts to being back on the field that will need him to get his body into football shape.